Hot car deaths are a tragic reality, with many cases involving children being unintentionally left inside vehicles. On average, every 10 days a child dies from heatstroke in a vehicle, often due to someone forgetting the child is in the car. This can happen to anyone, especially as routines change, making it crucial for everyone to be aware, particularly during hotter months.
The brain’s autopilot memory system can cause individuals to lose awareness of a child in the back seat, leading to dangerous consequences, even on mild temperature days where heat can rapidly rise inside a vehicle. Children are particularly vulnerable to heat-related health risks as their bodies heat up much faster than adults. While some car manufacturers have introduced technology to help prevent these tragedies by detecting occupants in the back seat, this technology is not yet widely available.
Consumer Reports recommends that parents create their own routines and reminders to ensure they always check the back seat before leaving the vehicle. Simple habits like placing a personal item in the back seat or using a visual cue like a shoe can help trigger the brain to remember, potentially saving a life. Leaving a window cracked open or parking in the shade is not sufficient to cool a car and prevent heatstroke, underscoring the importance of never leaving a child unattended in a vehicle. By making small behavioral changes and establishing reminders, individuals can help avoid these tragic incidents.
