Heatstroke Deaths of Children in Vehicles

CIRCUMSTANCES

An examination of media reports about the 968 pediatric vehicular heatstroke deaths for a 26-year period (1998 through 2023) shows the following circumstances:
    - 52.17% - Forgotten by caregiver (505 children)
    - 24.48% - Gained Access on their own (237)
    - 20.66% - Knowingly left by caregiver (200)
    - 2.69% - Unknown (26) 

AGES

The children that have died from vehicular heatstroke in the United States (1998-2023) have ranged in age from 5 days to 14 years. More than half of the deaths (55%) are children under 2 years of age. Below are the percentage of total deaths and the number of deaths.

< 1 31%  (297)	3  14%  (139)	6   1%  (9)	9   <1%  (2)	12   <1%  (1)
1   24%  (228)	4   6%  (56)	7   <1%  (3)	10   <1%  (3)	13   <1%  (3)
2   19%  (184)	5   3%  (31)	8   <1%  (3)	11   <1%  (4)	14   <1%  (3)