Every year, dozens of children across the U.S. tragically lose their lives after being left in hot cars. Whether a child is forgotten in the back seat or climbs into an unlocked vehicle while playing, the results can be deadly—but these heartbreaking accidents are also preventable.
At The Children’s Clinic in Jackson, TN, your child’s safety is our top priority. Here’s what every parent and caregiver should know about the risks of hot cars and how to protect young children from heatstroke.
Why Are Hot Cars So Dangerous?
Heatstroke is the leading cause of non-crash, vehicle-related deaths in children under 15. It occurs when the body overheats and can’t cool down quickly enough. For young children, this can happen fast.
A child's body heats up 3 to 5 times faster than an adult’s.
Vital organs start shutting down at 104°F. A body temperature of 107°F can be fatal.
Even when it’s mild outside, cars heat up quickly. In just 10 minutes, the inside temperature can rise by 20°F.
Cracking the windows or parking in the shade does not keep a car safe.
Heatstroke can happen when outside temperatures are as low as 57°F.
With more frequent hot days year-round due to climate change, this danger is becoming more widespread and persistent.
10 Ways to Prevent Hot Car Tragedies
It only takes a moment of distraction for a tragedy to occur. Even loving, attentive caregivers can make a mistake. These simple habits can help protect your child:
Always check the back seat before locking your car and walking away.
Limit distractions while driving—especially phone use.
Be mindful of routine changes. If someone else is dropping off your child or you're taking a different route, take extra precautions.
Ask your childcare provider to call if your child doesn’t arrive within 10 minutes of their usual time.
Verify drop-off and pick-up with other caregivers anytime someone else is driving your child.
Place a needed item (like your phone or purse) in the back seat to prompt a check before exiting.
Always lock your parked car. Many children who die in hot cars got in on their own.
Keep keys and remotes out of reach. Kids love to explore and can unlock vehicles without you knowing.
Keep trunk access closed. Fold-down seats should stay upright to block entry into the trunk.
Teach kids that cars are not play areas. Reinforce that cars are not hiding places, especially during games like hide-and-seek.
First Places to Look if Your Child Is Missing
If your child goes missing, check the pool first, if applicable, and then the car—including the trunk. Quick action can save lives.
If You See a Child Alone in a Car: Act Fast
If you see a child left unattended in a vehicle, call 911 immediately.
If the child appears unresponsive or distressed:
Call 911.
Remove the child from the vehicle.
Cool the child with water (but not an ice bath).
If the child seems alert:
Stay with them until emergency services arrive.
Ask a nearby business or facility to page the car owner.
What Does the Law Say?
Currently, there’s no federal law preventing children from being left in cars, but many states—including Tennessee—have laws to protect children from hot car dangers.
In Tennessee, it's illegal to leave a child under age 7 unattended in a vehicle if:
The conditions pose a risk to the child's health or safety, or
The engine is running, or
The keys are left in the vehicle.
Even in cooler weather or for “just a minute,” leaving a child alone in a car is never safe. Don’t take the risk.
At The Children’s Clinic, we’re here to support your family’s health and safety.
If you have questions about childproofing, car seat safety, or heat-related risks, give us a call at 731-423-1500. Together, we can help prevent the unthinkable.