'Check the Back Seat!': 38 US Kids Die Every Year in Hot Cars—Here's How to Stop It

In a shocking disclosure, each year an average of 38 children in the United States perish from vehicular heatstroke after being left in or gaining access to hot cars.

These tragedies are increasingly linked to lapses in routine and a lack of safety systems, prompting experts to urge urgent action and awareness as summer temperatures climb.

The Heartbreaking Numbers

A recent AP News report confirms that nine children have already died in hot cars during the first half of 2025—five in June alone—and last year saw 39 fatalities.

Overall, more than 1,125 deaths have occurred since 1990, with roughly 55% of victims under two years old, and over half due to children being forgotten by caregivers.

How Quickly Danger Rises

Vehicles can become death traps even on mild days. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) warns that car interior temperatures can increase by around 20°F in 10 minutes, with temperatures soaring above 100°F within 30 minutes, regardless of whether the windows are shaded or partially open. Children heat up three to five times faster than adults, making them acutely vulnerable to heatstroke.

Why This Keeps Happening

Psychologists describe 'forgotten baby syndrome,' when daily routines override memory, often triggered by stress, sleep deprivation, or a change in the typical route to daycare.

According to the NHTSA, about 52% of deaths are due to this forgetting; a further 25% involve children gaining access alone.

Practical Prevention Strategies

Experts and child-safety organisations recommend a three-part strategy:

• A – Avoid: Never leave a child unattended in a car, even for one minute. Lock doors to prevent self-access.
• C – Create reminders: Place a mobile, handbag, or stuffed toy in the back seat as a visual cue when a child is onboard.
• T – Take action: If you spot a child in a locked car, call 911 immediately—good Samaritan laws provide legal protection.

Other smart measures include placing car seats on the passenger side to improve back-seat visibility and installing rear-seat reminder alarms. Several manufacturers now plan to make these standards by 2025.

Real-Life Tragedies

A recent report from Georgia tells of 4-year-old Kameron Williams, who accidentally locked himself in a parked car in 91°F heat, ultimately dying before rescuers could reach him. In Corona, California, a baby was rescued after firefighters discovered the vehicle's cabin had reached 110°F, underscoring how deadly temperatures can escalate within minutes.

Tech to the Rescue

Innovations are emerging to reduce risk. The Doona SensAlert, a small insert in car seats, alerts caregivers and emergency contacts if the driver walks away while a child remains in the vehicle. Meanwhile, NHTSA and Kids & Car Safety are calling for mandatory in-car alarm systems similar to seatbelt reminders.

The Road Ahead

With nearly 40 child deaths each year, summer brings a renewed sense of urgency. Parents, caregivers, educators, and lawmakers are being urged to embrace reminders, routines, and technology to prevent 'tragic moments of forgetfulness.'

The message is clear: Always check the back seat. It can take seconds to save a life. Car safety experts emphasise that this simple habit could be the difference between tragedy and avoiding catastrophe.