Heatstroke stands as the primary cause of non-crash, vehicle-related fatalities in children
On May 31st, recognized as National Heat Awareness Day, it’s crucial for parents to remain vigilant as temperatures rise, particularly in regions like with increasing temperatures, and take proactive measures to protect themselves and their children. Over the past 25 years, more than 940 children have tragically lost their lives to heatstroke, either by being left in or accidentally trapped inside hot cars.
Heatstroke, the leading cause of non-crash, vehicle-related fatalities for children, occurs when the body’s cooling mechanisms fail to keep pace with rising temperatures, leading to dangerous levels of heat. Children, with their bodies heating up three to five times faster than adults, are particularly vulnerable to heatstroke. Preventing these tragedies requires vigilance from parents, caregivers, and bystanders alike. Children should never be left alone in vehicles, and immediate action, such as calling 911, is crucial if a bystander spots a child unattended in a car.
“A car’s interior temperature can soar by 19 degrees in just 10 minutes, and cracking a window doesn’t mitigate the risk,” emphasized TFI Senior Vice President Rachelle Roosevelt. “Heatstroke can strike anytime, anywhere. We strive to spare any family from such a preventable tragedy, which is why TFI urges everyone to never leave a child unattended in a car, not even momentarily.”
Together, we can reduce fatalities and close calls by remembering to ACT:
A: Avoid heatstroke-related incidents by never leaving a child alone in a car, even briefly. Ensure your car remains locked when unoccupied to prevent children from entering on their own.
C: Create reminders. Utilize a stuffed animal or other item in your child’s car seat when empty, moving it to the front seat as a visual queue when your child occupies the back seat. Alternatively, secure your phone, briefcase, or purse in the back seat while traveling with your child.
T: Take action. If you encounter a child left alone in a car, immediately dial 911. Emergency responders are equipped to handle such situations, and your call could save a life.
“More than half (54%) of all vehicle-related heatstroke deaths in children are caused by a child accidentally being left in the car, and 26% are from a child getting into a hot car unsupervised,” Roosevelt said. “We want to get the word out to parents and caregivers: please Look Before You Lock.”
The American Academy of Pediatrics underscores the importance of safeguarding against heat-related illnesses like heat cramps, heat exhaustion, dehydration, and heatstroke by remaining vigilant for warning signs such as nausea, vomiting, extreme fatigue, dizziness, shortness of breath, muscle spasms or cramps, and intense thirst.
For more information on preventing heatstroke-related deaths in children, please visit the following websites:
https://www.nhtsa.gov/campaign/heatstroke