Texas Accident & Injury News
Don’t leave your child alone in a hot car — not even for a minute.
Record Hot Summer Temperatures Prompt Safety Reminders for Texas Parents
According to a KSAT News report, over 1,000 children have died in hot cars since 1990.
Texas leads the nation in heatstroke deaths from children being left in or trapped in hot cars. Parents need to be extra cautious this summer as record-high temperatures sweep Texas. Roughly a quarter of these deaths happened because the child made their way into the vehicle unknown to the parent. However, more than half of them were simply the result of the responsible adult forgetting the child in the backseat, often due to changes in routine or stress. There are steps that Texas parents and caregivers can take this summer that can reduce the risk of child heatstroke injuries from hot cars.
Did You Know?
Texas has led the nation in hot car deaths since 1990, with 156 total fatalities reported.
Summer Safety Tips to Prevent Hot Car Deaths in Texas in 2024
Last year, 3 children died in hot cars in Texas.
Most children who die in hot cars across the nation are not left intentionally — loving parents who become distracted or forget due to changes in routine are most commonly responsible for these tragic accidents. Children will also occasionally sneak out and become trapped in a hot vehicle and not be found in time.
Hot car deaths are entirely preventable. Make sure your child does not become another statistic in 2024 with these safety reminders.
Facts About Child Heatstroke Injuries From Hot Cars
Second only to auto accident injuries, heatstroke is a leading cause of vehicle-related deaths in children under 15.
- A car can heat up 19 degrees in ten minutes, regardless of whether a window is left cracked.
- A young child’s body can heat up 5 to 10 times faster than an adult’s due to decreased surface area.
- Heatstroke begins when the child’s body temperature reaches 104°F — a 70°F car can reach this temperature in 30 minutes.
How to Prevent Child Heatstroke Deaths
Parents and caregivers can prevent child heatstroke deaths from hot cars by following these tips from Safe Kids Worldwide:
- Avoid — Take preventative measures by never intentionally leaving a child alone and keeping cars locked when you’re not inside.
- Create — Make reminders for yourself, like leaving a stuffed animal in the front seat when your child is in the car. You can also leave your phone or purse in the back seat so that you have to look back there before exiting the vehicle.
- Take Action — Call 9-1-1 if you see a child alone in a hot vehicle. They are trained to handle the situation.
Older children can be taught critical lessons that can save their lives.
- Cars are Not Playgrounds — Teach older children that cars are not for playing in. Never assume your child understands that parked cars are not safe.
- Honk the Horn — If your child gets stuck in a hot car, teach them to honk the horn for help.
Child Heatstroke Injury Lawyer Serving Texas
Schools, daycares, and childcare professionals can be responsible for heatstroke injuries and deaths. If someone else’s negligent supervision caused your child to suffer serious heatstroke injury or die, you may be eligible for compensation.
Carabin Shaw child injury attorneys have served parents across Texas for over 30 years. If you would like help or have legal questions about your child’s heatstroke injury or death, call 800-862-1260. Our team will set up your free case evaluation with one of our experienced attorneys so you can get the answers you need.
We look forward to serving you.
Contacting a Carabin Shaw attorney is free and does not obligate you to work with the firm.
¹NHTSA on Child Heatstroke Injuries