Amid fluctuating schedules during the summertime months, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration warns that a change in routine can lead to forgetfulness, which can lead to tragedy. According to NHTSA data, July and August are the peak months for pediatric hot car deaths.
“I think a lot of people don’t realize that the temperature inside a car can increase 20 degrees in just 10 minutes, and parking in the shade, opening up a window, it doesn’t really help,” said NHTSA administrator Jonathan Morrison.
As of the end of July, 17 children have died in the U.S. due to pediatric vehicular heat stroke. Among the tragedies is an incident that occurred last week at Northside Gwinnett Hospital. According to Lawrenceville Police, a hospital employee forgot her one-year-old son in the backseat. The child died after nine hours in the car, with temperatures in the vehicle reaching at least 117 degrees. Though police say the mother is devastated, the 29-year-old woman now faces charges for second-degree murder and second-degree cruelty to children.
“When you get into a hot car, it’s nasty in there. It’s really uncomfortable,” said Morrison. “But we’re grownups. Our bodies are able to regulate temperatures so much better, and a child, their body temperature rises three to five times more quickly than in adults.”
Morrison stresses these tragedies are 100% preventable by taking a couple of proactive steps. On Monday’s “Closer Look with Rose Scott,” Morrison explained the three common ways a child can be trapped and overheated in a car. He also offered multiple ways for parents, guardians, and other caretakers to remind themselves and not forget about a child in the backseat.
