24 Children Die in Hot Cars in 2023

September 07, 2023: Twenty-four children have died in hot cars in the United States so far in 2023, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). This is the same number of child hot car deaths as in 2022.

The rapid heating of cars is a significant factor in these deaths. The temperature inside a car can reach 120 degrees Fahrenheit in just minutes, even when the outside temperature is only 70 degrees. This can be fatal for children, who are especially vulnerable to heatstroke.

Most children who die in hot cars are forgotten by their caregivers, who accidentally leave them behind when they run errands or go to work. However, some children are also intentionally left in hot cars by their caregivers, often as punishment or neglect.

There are several things that parents and caregivers can do to prevent hot car deaths, including:

• Always check the backseat before leaving the car, even if you think you know that your child is not there.
• Put a reminder in your phone or dashboard to check the backseat.
• Install a hot car alarm.
• Do not leave your child unattended in a car, even for a few minutes.
• If you see a child alone in a hot car, call 911 immediately. Do not attempt to break into the vehicle yourself, as this could put you and the child at risk.

The deaths of these 24 children are a tragedy, and they should serve as a reminder of the importance of taking precautions to prevent hot car deaths. By following these simple tips, we can help to keep our children safe.

Here are some additional takeaways from the article:

• Hot car deaths are preventable.
• Parents and caregivers must check the backseat before leaving the car.
• Several safety devices are available to help prevent hot car deaths.
• If you see a child alone in a hot car, call 911 immediately.