Never Leave a Child Alone in a Car — Not Even for a Minute

In the past two weeks alone, Texas has reported four heartbreaking cases of children dying from heatstroke after being left in parked cars — surpassing the total number of hot car deaths in all of 2024. These tragedies are preventable, and they serve as an urgent reminder of just how dangerous it is to leave a child alone in a car.

Why is heatstroke so dangerous for children?
Heatstroke occurs when the body’s temperature rises rapidly and it can no longer cool itself. Children are especially vulnerable because their bodies heat up three to five times faster than adults’ bodies. In a hot car, the temperature can rise dramatically within minutes, and cracking a window or parking in the shade does not prevent this. And heatstroke doesn’t just happen in the summer; it can occur even when outside temperatures are in the 60s.

You may wonder, How could this happen? But the reality is that anyone — even the most attentive parent or caregiver — can forget a child is in the back seat, especially during a change in routine or a moment of distraction. Sometimes, children enter vehicles on their own while playing and become trapped without anyone realizing it.

What You Can Do: Key Safety Reminders

1. Never leave a child alone in a car — not even for a minute, even with the AC running.
2. Look before you lock. Always check the back seat before walking away.
3. Be extra mindful during changes in routine — this is when forgetfulness is most likely.
4. Avoid distractions like phone use while driving and parking.
5. Put a reminder in the back seat, such as your phone or bag, so you’re forced to look before you leave.
6. Keep your car locked and keys out of reach so children can’t enter on their own.
7. Teach your children that cars are not play spaces for games such as hide-and-seek — especially the trunk.
8. Call 911 immediately if you see a child alone in a car and are concerned for their safety.

Remember, leaving a child unattended in a vehicle is not just dangerous — it’s also illegal. In Texas, it is against the law to leave a child under 7 years old in a vehicle for more than five minutes unless supervised by someone at least 14 years old.

Let’s keep our kids safe. One simple check could save a life.

Sources:

1. DCHS News Release: After Four Hot Car Deaths in Two Weeks, Texas Health Officials Urge Adults Never to Leave Children in Parked Cars – July 14, 2025.
2. Prevent Child Deaths in Hot Cars – HealthyChildren.org – April 22, 2025.