Every summer, we hear about the heartbreaking news of children dying from heatstroke after being left in hot cars. It’s a situation that’s entirely preventable, yet it continues to happen not only in hot and humid states like Texas, but across the entire United States—even in places where it’s much cooler.
Why Do Cars Heat Up So Quickly?
It doesn’t take long for the interior of a car to heat up to deadly levels—sometimes in just a few minutes. Even on relatively warm days, the temperature inside a locked vehicle can quickly reach dangerous levels, putting children at serious risk. Heatstroke happens fast, and the result can be deadly.
So far in 2025, 13 children have tragically lost their lives due to heatstroke after being left unattended in cars, according to data from No Heat Stroke.
Recent Tragic Deaths in Texas
In the past week alone, three children have died in Texas after being left alone in cars. Each of these deaths could have been easily avoided.
Houston: A child was left in a car with the windows cracked and a bottle of water while their mother went inside to work. The child died from heatstroke.
Mission, TX: A father left his 3-month-old son in a car after reportedly drinking and lying down inside the house, forgetting the child was in the car. The baby was found dead, strapped into his car seat.
Brownsville: A daycare worker was charged after a 4-year-old child was found unresponsive in a daycare van, also a case of heatstroke.
As summer temperatures hit the mid to upper 90s with high humidity, the risks of leaving children unattended in cars are even greater. It’s more important than ever to double-check and make sure your child is safely out of the vehicle.
How to Prevent Hot Car Tragedies
If you’re a parent, it’s crucial to take extra steps when traveling with your child in the car:
Place something important—like a purse, wallet, or cell phone—in the back seat, so you’re reminded to check.
Put the diaper bag in the front passenger seat as a reminder.
Notify the daycare if your child is running late or hasn’t arrived at the scheduled time.
How Quickly Can a Car Become Dangerous?
A car’s interior can heat up very fast, especially on hot days. For example, on a warm 80°F day, the temperature inside a car can reach 100°F in just 10 minutes. After 30 minutes, the temperature can hit 120°F or higher, even with the windows cracked open. This makes it impossible for a child to stay safe in a locked car.
Key Safety Tips to Keep in Mind
Never leave your car unlocked—and always make sure children aren’t playing in the car.
Always look in the back seat before you lock your car, even if you’re sure you didn’t leave anything behind. It’s a quick habit that could save a life.