Fact Sheet - Heatstroke Deaths of Children in Vehicles

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[Note: This study has now been published in Pediatrics. Click here to download]

Total number of U.S. heatstroke deaths of children left in cars, 2017: 5
Total number of U.S. heatstroke deaths of children left in cars, 2016: 39
Total number of U.S. heatstroke deaths of children left in cars, 1998-present: 705
Average number of U.S. child heatstroke fatalities per year since 1998: 37
See Monthly Statistics
See Statistics by State

CIRCUMSTANCES

An examination of media reports about the 700 child vehicular heatstroke deaths for a 19-year period (1998 through 2017) shows the following circumstances:
- 54% - child "forgotten" by caregiver (376 Children)
- 28% - child playing in unattended vehicle (198)
- 17% - child intentionally left in vehicle by adult (120)
- 1% - circumstances unknown (6)

Demographics of Persons Responsible for Heatstroke Deaths of Children Forgotten in Vehicles

AGES

The children that have died from vehicular heatstroke in the United States (1998-2016) have ranged in age from 5 days to 14 years. More than half of the deaths are children under 2 years of age. Below are the percentage of total (700) deaths (and number of deaths).

< 1-year old = 32% (225)
1-year old = 22% (154)
2-years old = 20% (136)
3-years old = 13% (92)
4-years old = 6% (42)

5-years old = 3% (23)
6-years old = 1% (9)
7-years old = < 1% (3)
8-years old = < 1% (3)
9-years old = < 1% (2)

10-years old = < 1% (3)
11-years old = < 1% (2)
12-years old = < 1% (1)
13-years old = < 1% (1)
14-years old = < 1% (3)
Unknown = < 1% (1)

#	Date	City	Temperature	Name	Age
5	4/14/2017	Burleson, TX	82°	Kingston Jackson	23 mo
4	4/7/2017	Vestavia, AL	68°	Christian Evan Sanders	1 yr
3	3/28/2017	Ville Platte, LA	92°	Addyson Bertrand	3 yr
2	2/28/2017	Brandon, FL	90°	Jacob Manchego	2 yr
1	2/06/2017	Pinecrest, FL	82°	Samuel Schnall	1 yr

Previous Years: 2016, 2015, 2014, 2013, 2012, 2011, 2010, 2009, 2008, 2007, 2006, 2005, 2004, 2003, 1998-2002

LEGAL

- 20 states have Unattended Child Laws that have specific language addressing leaving a child unattended in a vehicle.

- The remaining 30 states do not have laws specifically against leaving a child unattended in a vehicle.

-Another 14 states have had previously proposed unattended child laws.

- There are 10 states with "Good Samaritan Laws" with specific language that protects persons who see a child in a car and take action to render assistance.

A 2005 Associated Press (AP) study found "Wide disparity exists in sentences for leaving kids to die in hot cars". It examined both the frequency of prosecutions and length of sentences in hyperthermia death.
- It found that charges were filed in 49% of all the deaths and 81% of those resulted in convictions.
- In cases with paid caregivers (i.e., childcare workers, babysitters) 84% were charged and 96% convicted.
- Only 7% of the cases involved drugs or alcohol.

MEDICAL

Heatstroke is clinically defined as when a person's temperature exceeds 104 degrees F and their thermoregulatory mechanism is overwhelmed
- Symptoms include : dizziness, disorientation, agitation, confusion, sluggishness, seizure, hot dry skin that is flushed but not sweaty, loss of consciousness, rapid heart beat, hallucinations

When a core body temperature of 107 degrees F or greater is reached then cells are damaged and internal organs begin to shut down. This cascade of events can rapidly lead to death.

Children's thermoregulatory systems are not as efficient as an adult's and their body temperatures warm at a rate 3 to 5 times faster than an adult’s.

VEHICLE HEATING DYNAMICS

The atmosphere and the windows of a car are relatively “transparent” to the sun’s shortwave radiation (yellow in figure below) and are warmed little. However this shortwave energy does heat objects that it strikes. For example, a dark dashboard, steering wheel or seat temperatures often are in the range of 180 to over 200 degrees F.

These objects (e.g., dashboard, steering wheel, childseat) heat the adjacent air by conduction and convection and also give off longwave radiation (red) which is very efficient at warming the air trapped inside a vehicle.

Objects Heated by the Sun Warm Vehicle's Air

ANIMATION (Courtesy GM and Jan Null, San Jose State University)

VEHICLE HEATING STUDY

Studied temperature rise in enclosed cars on 16 dates between May 16 and Aug. 8, 2002. (see graph of 16 case days)
Ambient temperature were between 72 and 96 degrees F.
Dark Blue mid-size sedan with medium grey interior
Also tested with windows “cracked”
Published in Pediatrics 2005 (Click here to download)

HEATING STUDY SUMMARY

Average elapsed time and temperature rise
10 minutes ~ 19 deg F
20 minutes ~ 29 deg F
30 minutes ~ 34 deg F
60 minutes ~ 43 deg F
1 to 2 hours ~ 45-50 deg F
2 to 4 hours ~ 50-55 deg F

Summary Table of Temperature vs. Elapsed Time

Two-thirds of the heating in the first 20 minutes
“Cracking” the windows had little (i.e., < 3 deg.) effect
Vehicle interior color probably biggest factor

SAFETY RECOMMENDATIONS

"Parents and other caregivers need to be educated that a vehicle is not a babysitter or play area ... but it can easily become tragedy"

NEVER LEAVE A CHILD UNATTENDED IN A VEHICLE. NOT EVEN FOR A MINUTE !

IF YOU SEE A CHILD UNATTENDED IN A HOT VEHICLE CALL 9-1-1.

Be sure that all occupants leave the vehicle when unloading. Don't overlook sleeping babies

Always lock your car and ensure children do not have access to keys or remote entry devices. Teach children that vehicles are never to be used as a play area.

IF A CHILD IS MISSING, ALWAYS CHECK THE POOL FIRST, AND THEN THE CAR, INCLUDING THE TRUNK.

Keep a stuffed animal in the carseat and when the child is put in the seat place the animal in the front with the driver. Or place your purse, briefcase or cell phone in the back seat as a reminder that you have your child in the car.

Make "look before you leave" a routine whenever you get out of the car.

Have a plan that your childcare provider will call you if your child does not show up for school.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

CONTACT INFORMATION

Jan Null, CCM
Dept. of Meteorology and Climate Science
San Jose State University
Phone: (408) 379-7500
Email: jan.null@sjsu.edu

RESOURCES & LINKS

Children in Vehicles Videos and PSAs

ORGANIZATIONS

Special thanks to the National Safety Council for their support of this research and website.