The windows in vehicles can create a greenhouse effect. This causes the temperature in the vehicle to rise much faster than the temperature outside. This places anyone in the vehicle, especially young children, at risk for overheating if they are left unattended.
Why are hot vehicles so dangerous?
Even on a mild day, the temperature inside a parked vehicle can rise to dangerous levels within minutes.
The inside of a vehicle can become up to 22°C hotter than the outside air temperature. Most of the increase in temperature occurs during the first 30 minutes. Opening the windows a little bit does not reduce the temperature inside the vehicle enough or make it safe for a child.
A child left alone in a parked vehicle can quickly develop heat-related illness that can become life-threatening.
Why are young children at greater risk?
Infants and young children are especially vulnerable to heat because their bodies warm up much faster than adults.
Children overheat three to five times faster than adults because:
- their bodies are less able to regulate temperature
- they have a larger body surface area relative to their body weight
In addition, children who become overheated may not be able to unbuckle themselves, open the vehicle door or call for help.
Early signs of heat-related illness include:
- weakness
- dizziness
- excessive sleepiness or lethargy
- fainting
If body temperature continues to rise, heat exhaustion can progress to heatstroke, a medical emergency that can cause:
- rapid breathing
- seizures
- brain injury
- death
If you suspect a child has heatstroke, call emergency medical services immediately.
How do these tragedies happen?
Most hot vehicle incidents occur in one of three ways:
- A caregiver unintentionally forgets a child in the vehicle
This is the most common scenario. Changes in routine, stress, fatigue or distractions can interrupt a caregiver's normal memory patterns. This can cause them to unintentionally leave a sleeping or quiet child in the back seat.
These incidents are not typically the result of intentional neglect and can happen to anyone. - A child is intentionally left in a parked vehicle
Some caregivers may believe they will only be away for a few minutes. However, temperatures inside a vehicle rise rapidly. This makes leaving a child alone for even a short amount of time dangerous. - A child enters an unlocked parked vehicle
Young children are naturally curious and may climb into an unlocked vehicle while playing. They can become trapped inside and be unable to get out as temperatures continue to rise.
How can families prevent hot vehicle tragedies?
There are simple steps every caregiver can take to reduce the risk.
- Never leave a child alone in a vehicle
Even if you only plan to be away for a minute, never leave a child unattended in a parked vehicle. - Always check the back seat
Before locking your vehicle, make it a habit to open the back door and check every seat. - Place essential item by car seat
Many caregivers find it helpful to place an essential item, such as a purse, cellphone, work badge or briefcase beside the child's car seat so they must open the back door before leaving the vehicle. - Use reminders
If your vehicle has a rear-seat reminder system, turn it on. Caregivers can also use reminder apps, calendar alerts or ask childcare providers to call if a child does not arrive as expected. - Keep vehicles locked
Always lock parked vehicles, even when they are at home, and keep keys and key fobs out of children's reach. - Teach children that vehicles are not places to play
Children should understand that parked vehicles are not safe places for games or hide-and-seek. - Do not leave children in a running vehicle
Leaving a child in a running vehicle is not recommended. In addition to the risk of heat-related illness, a running vehicle can be stolen or a child may accidentally lock themselves inside.