As child vehicular heat deaths continue each year, Huntsville educator urges caregivers to adopt simple, lifesaving habits
A Preventable Tragedy That Happens Too Often
Kaye Boehning has seen firsthand how fast life can change with just a momentary lapse in awareness. As director of Tomorrow’s Promise Montessori Schools in Huntsville, she carries more than just the responsibility of education — she carries the weight of advocacy for child safety, especially in the face of summer heat.
Every year, dozens of children die in the United States after being left in hot cars. “It happens to all kinds of people — teachers, doctors, firefighters, even police officers,” Boehning said. “It doesn’t matter your background or profession. It’s not neglect. It’s a routine change that tricks your brain.”
Boehning explained that these incidents often occur when routines are disrupted. A parent who doesn’t normally do drop-off may drive straight to work, forgetting a sleeping child in the back seat. “You go on autopilot,” she said. “And eight hours later, a family is changed forever.”
The Numbers: Deadly Heat, Fast
The statistics are staggering. On average, 38 children die each year in the U.S. after being left in a hot car. In 2024, the death toll reached 39 — a 35% increase from the 29 recorded in 2023¹. Since 1998, over 1,010 children have lost their lives this way².
Boehning noted that many of these deaths occur even when the temperature outside feels manageable. “People think it has to be 100 degrees out,” she said. “But that’s not true. A car can become lethal in just minutes.”
Scientific studies confirm that the temperature inside a parked vehicle can rise by 20 degrees in just 10 minutes³. On an 80-degree day, the interior can hit 109 degrees within 20 minutes and soar to 120–140 degrees in less than an hour⁴. For children, whose bodies heat up three to five times faster than adults, this can quickly lead to heatstroke. A core body temperature of 107 degrees is considered fatal⁵.
How It Happens
Data shows that 52% of these tragic incidents happen because the caregiver simply forgot the child was in the vehicle⁶. Another 24% happen when a child gains access to an unlocked vehicle and becomes trapped. The remaining 22% occur when a child is intentionally left in the car — often under the false assumption that the vehicle is safe for a short period.
Boehning urges all caregivers to recognize just how easily this can happen. “You think, ‘That could never be me.’ But all it takes is one morning when you're distracted, running late, or doing something you don’t normally do.”
She also shared that babies in rear-facing car seats are at greater risk because they are harder to see and often fall asleep without making a sound.
Tools and Habits That Can Save Lives
To combat forgetfulness, Boehning recommends simple daily habits that can serve as safety checks. “Put something you can’t leave the car without — your purse, your phone, even a shoe — in the back seat next to your child,” she said. “If it’s not there, you’re not walking away from the car.”
She also suggested placing a stuffed animal in the front passenger seat when a child is in the back. “It’s a visual reminder that they’re with you,” she said. “Especially helpful when the child is quiet or asleep.”
Other tips include keeping diaper bags or essential items in the back seat and leaving a note or sticker on the dashboard or steering wheel. Some newer vehicles offer rear-seat reminders that alert the driver to check the back seat before exiting⁷.
Boehning also emphasized the importance of forming a consistent routine. “Even if your child isn’t with you, put something in the back seat every time. That way, the habit is automatic.”
Children Playing in Cars: A Hidden Threat
The danger doesn’t end with forgetfulness. Another real risk occurs when children climb into unattended vehicles on their own. “It’s easy to overlook, but it happens,” Boehning said.
She recalled one chilling incident: “I walked out and found a child — not my own — in my car. I thought I had locked it, but I hadn’t.” Luckily, this child was okay. She explained that curious kids see cars as playgrounds, not understanding the risks. Once inside, they may fall asleep, get stuck, and suffocate or suffer heatstroke before anyone realizes they are missing.
“Always lock your vehicle,” she said. “Even at home. You could walk out and find someone else’s child in your back seat. That’s how fast it happens.”
Real Stories, Real Impact
Boehning’s experience in the community has given her a deep understanding of how tragic events unfold. But she’s also quick to acknowledge her own childhood memories and how far safety has come.
“I used to ride in the back of an El Camino,” she said, laughing. “No seatbelts, no car seats, just floorboards. We’ve come a long way, but we still have so far to go.”
She wants parents and grandparents to avoid the trap of thinking they are immune. “Don’t rely on your memory. Rely on your habits.”
A Broader Call for Awareness
According to federal safety campaigns, the vast majority of hot car deaths occur between May and September⁸. But Boehning noted that vigilance must be year-round.
“This isn’t just a summer issue,” she said. “Even in the spring or fall, it can get hot enough in a car to kill a child.”
She also pointed out that public awareness must continue to grow. “If you see a child alone in a car — even if the windows are cracked — call 911 immediately. Don’t wait.”
A Community Reminder
Though the statistics are sobering, Boehning remains hopeful that change is possible through education, routine, and vigilance.
“This is one of the few types of tragedies we truly can prevent,” she said. “It just takes forming a habit. Build that habit today. It could save a life tomorrow.”
About Tomorrow’s Promise Montessori Schools
Tomorrow’s Promise Montessori Schools creates a joyful learning environment that fosters each child’s independence and respect for their unique developmental path. Guided by Montessori principles, Tomorrow’s Promise emphasizes hands-on exploration, real-world connections, and social-emotional growth. Through a supportive and inclusive community, they empower children to reach their fullest potential. For more information, visit tomorrowspromise.info.
References
- NoHeatStroke.org. (2024). Child Vehicular Heatstroke Deaths. https://www.noheatstroke.org/
- National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. (2024). Prevent Hot Car Deaths. https://www.nhtsa.gov/campaign/heatstroke
- AP News. (2023, June 21). How fast does a car heat up? https://apnews.com/article/car-heat-deaths
- American Academy of Pediatrics. (2022). Vehicle-Related Heatstroke Prevention. https://www.healthychildren.org
- KidsAndCars.org. (2023). Child Hot Car Deaths Data Analysis. https://www.kidsandcars.org
- Journalists Resource. (2023). Why Children Die in Hot Cars: Research Review. https://journalistsresource.org
- National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. (2024). Rear Seat Reminder Systems Fact Sheet. https://www.nhtsa.gov/technology-innovation
- CT Insider. (2024, May 25). AAA Urges Vigilance After CT Child Dies in Hot Car. https://www.ctinsider.com