Preventing Child Heatstroke and Hot Car Deaths
Submitted by: Creason Walter, MPH, CHES, CPST
Pediatric Injury Prevention Program Coordinator
Johns Hopkins Children’s Center
Heatstroke is a leading cause of vehicle-related deaths (outside of crashes) for children in the U.S.—and it’s 100% preventable.
While most often highlighted during the summer, heatstroke can occur at any time of year, even when outside temperatures feel mild. A car can become dangerously hot in minutes, putting children at risk of serious injury or death.
Child Hot Car Deaths: A Preventable Tragedy
In 2024, 40 children died after being left or trapped in hot cars. As of early 2025, there has already been one such heartbreaking loss. These statistics are more than numbers—they are urgent reminders of the responsibility we all share.
How Hot Does a Car Get?
Let’s follow along with the Pediatric Injury Prevention Program to see how hot the inside of a car can get during the day (photo for each time attached)
10:30 am – Outdoor Temperature 89.3 Vehicle Temperature 92.3
11:15 am – Outdoor Temperature 88.4 Vehicle Temperature 129
12:15 pm – Outdoor Temperature 88.7 Vehicle Temperature 161
1:15 pm – Outdoor Temperature 91.3 Vehicle Temperature 171
2:15 pm – Outdoor Temperature 88.6 Vehicle Temperature 160
3:15 pm –Outdoor Temperature 87.3 Vehicle Temperature 138
Even with outdoor temperatures in the high 80s, the inside of the vehicle soared to over 170°F. These extreme temperatures can be fatal for children in just minutes.
Tips to Prevent Heatstroke
You can take simple but effective steps to protect children from heatstroke:
- 🔒 Lock your vehicle when not in use to prevent children from climbing in unnoticed.
- 🔑 Keep car keys and remote starters out of children’s reach.
- ⏱ Never leave a child alone in a vehicle—not even for a moment.
- 👀 Use reminders: Place a personal item like your phone, purse, or shoe in the back seat to prompt you to check.
- 🧾 Make a habit of “Park. Look. Lock.” Always confirm your child is with a caregiver or safely out of the vehicle.
🚨 If you see a child alone in a car, call 911 immediately. Emergency responders are trained to act fast in these situations.
