Heatstroke Deaths in Cars Spike: 7 Kids Dead This Year, 39 in 2024
At least 7 youngsters have died in recent months after being left unattended in parked cars, with temperatures rising rapidly even on seemingly cool days. Last year, 39 children died in such incidents, up from 29 in 2023, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
Over a 26-year study period, heat-related deaths in vehicles increased. In 2022, 39 children lost their lives, with the majority being 2 years old or younger. A child's body temperature rises three to five times faster than an adult's, making them particularly vulnerable. Even with windows rolled down or parking in the shade, the vehicle's interior can quickly become dangerously hot. Many states have laws against leaving children unattended in vehicles, yet dozens still die each year. Jan Null, a renowned meteorologist, has extensively researched this issue but specific details about his first publication on the topic are unclear.
The 10 states where pediatric vehicular heatstroke was most common in recent years are Alabama, Arizona, California, Florida, Georgia, Louisiana, North Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, and Virginia. To prevent such tragedies, it's crucial to never leave children unattended in cars, even for a short period, and to raise awareness about the rapid temperature increase that can occur.
