As summer temperatures rise, so do the dangers associated with leaving children and pets in cars. Even on mild days, the temperature inside a parked vehicle can soar quickly, reaching deadly levels in a matter of minutes. Many drivers are unaware of how serious the situation can become, which is why it’s essential to raise awareness and prioritize safety.
At Get Drivers Ed, we’re committed to educating drivers about all aspects of road safety, including the potential dangers of leaving children and pets in hot cars. In this blog, we’ll explore the risks, the science behind car overheating, and most importantly, how to prevent these tragic situations from happening. Whether you’re a parent, pet owner, or a concerned driver, this information could help save lives.
1. Why Do Cars Heat Up So Quickly?
The Greenhouse Effect in Cars
Cars act like a greenhouse, trapping heat inside and making the temperature rise rapidly. When sunlight enters a vehicle through the windows, it heats up the interior surfaces like the dashboard, seats, and steering wheel. These surfaces then radiate heat, which becomes trapped because the windows do not allow for proper ventilation.
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), the temperature inside a car can rise 20 degrees in just 10 minutes, even if it’s not a particularly hot day. For example, on a 70°F day, the temperature inside a car can reach 90°F or higher in just a few minutes. On scorching summer days, the inside temperature can exceed 120°F in a very short amount of time.
This rapid increase in temperature is especially dangerous for children and pets, whose bodies are less efficient at regulating heat.
2. Why Are Children and Animals More Vulnerable?
The Physiology of Heat in Children and Pets
Children and animals are more susceptible to overheating in cars because they are not as efficient at regulating body temperature as adults. A child’s body heats up three to five times faster than an adult’s, making them far more vulnerable in hot environments. For pets, especially dogs, the situation is just as dangerous. Animals primarily cool themselves through panting, but this method becomes ineffective when the air they’re breathing is also hot.
At Get Drivers Ed, we emphasize the importance of understanding how quickly a situation can become life-threatening. Many tragic incidents occur when parents or pet owners believe they’ll only be gone for “a few minutes.” However, even that short time is enough for temperatures to rise to lethal levels.
Heatstroke in Children and Pets
Heatstroke occurs when the body can no longer regulate its temperature, causing a dangerous rise in core body temperature. For children, this happens when their body temperature reaches 104°F. At 107°F, the condition becomes fatal. Similarly, pets can suffer from heatstroke when their body temperature rises above 105°F, leading to organ failure or death.
3. Common Scenarios That Lead to Overheating
Unintentional Lock-ins and “Quick Errands”
There are several common scenarios that lead to children or pets being left in hot cars:
Unintentional lock-ins: In some cases, children get locked inside cars accidentally when parents are distracted. This is more likely to happen if the parent believes the child is asleep or quiet in the back seat.
Quick errands: Many people underestimate how quickly temperatures rise in parked cars. A parent or pet owner may think they’ll be in and out of a store in a few minutes, but even that brief amount of time can be dangerous.
Forgetting a child is in the car: This heartbreaking scenario often happens when parents or caregivers are overwhelmed or distracted. They may park the car and exit without realizing that a child is still in the back seat.
At Get Drivers Ed, we teach drivers to always double-check the back seat before locking their vehicle, especially when transporting children or pets. Making it a habit can prevent tragedy.
4. How to Prevent Heat-Related Tragedies
Simple Steps to Keep Your Loved Ones Safe
The good news is that there are several steps you can take to prevent heat-related tragedies. With a few simple precautions, you can ensure that children and pets stay safe even on the hottest days. Here’s how:
1. Never Leave a Child or Pet in the Car—Even for a Minute
This rule should be non-negotiable. Never leave a child or pet alone in a parked vehicle, even if the windows are cracked. The temperature can rise dangerously high in minutes, and a cracked window provides little to no relief from the heat.
2. Make a Habit of Checking the Back Seat
Always check the back seat before locking your car and walking away. To help remind yourself, place a necessary item, such as your phone, purse, or briefcase, in the back seat so you’ll be forced to look before leaving.
Tip for Parents: Placing your child’s diaper bag or favorite toy in the front seat can also serve as a visual reminder that your child is in the car.
3. Use Technology to Your Advantage
Some modern vehicles come equipped with rear-seat reminder systems, which notify the driver if someone is in the back seat after the car is turned off. If your vehicle has this feature, make sure it’s enabled. You can also purchase aftermarket products that provide similar reminders.
4. Keep Your Vehicle Locked at All Times
To prevent children from accidentally locking themselves inside the car, keep your vehicle locked when it’s parked at home. Curious children sometimes wander into unlocked vehicles, which can quickly turn into a dangerous situation. Make sure keys and remote starters are kept out of reach, too.
5. Educate Others About the Dangers
If you see a child or pet left alone in a car, don’t hesitate to take action. Call 911 immediately, and if the situation seems dire, attempt to get the child or pet out of the car if you can do so safely. Raising awareness among friends, family, and your community can also prevent tragedies.
At Get Drivers Ed, we encourage everyone to share these safety tips with others, as one small reminder can save a life.
5. What to Do if You See a Child or Pet in Distress
Steps to Take in an Emergency
If you come across a child or pet left alone in a hot car, take immediate action. The following steps can help:
Call 911: Notify the authorities right away. Emergency responders can arrive quickly to provide medical attention if needed.
Try to locate the owner: If you're near a business or public location, go inside and ask for an announcement to be made to find the vehicle owner.
Take action if necessary: If you believe the child or animal is in immediate danger and the authorities haven't arrived, consider breaking the car window to get them out. Many states have Good Samaritan laws that protect individuals from legal consequences if they break into a car to save a life.
Conclusion: Stay Informed and Prevent Tragedy with Get Drivers Ed
The risks associated with leaving children and pets in hot cars are far too great to ignore. Even on mild days, the temperature inside a vehicle can become life-threatening in a short amount of time. At Get Drivers Ed, we believe that education is the key to preventing these tragedies. By taking small steps—such as always checking the back seat and never leaving a child or pet unattended in a car—you can make a huge difference in safety.
If you’re interested in learning more about driver safety and best practices, consider enrolling in one of our online drivers ed courses. Together, we can make the roads—and our vehicles—safer for everyone.
Always remember: When in doubt, check it out. Your quick action could save a life.
