Stay Cool and Stay Safe: Raising Awareness on Hot Car Risks

By Eugene Bruno on August 2, 2023

August is the hottest month of the year, and it’s important to remember that summer heat can quickly turn any vehicle into a life-threatening environment. Scorching outside temperatures can cause the interior of a parked car to quickly rise to dangerous levels, putting anyone or anything left inside at risk of heat stroke, dehydration, and even death.

Children and older adults are most at risk because they are more sensitive to heat. On average, nearly 40 children lose their lives each year in the U.S. due to car-related heatstroke. (Source: National Highway Traffic Safety Administration – NHTSA) Similarly, pets can suffer from heatstroke when left inside vehicles, and they can be even more sensitive to high temperatures than children. The statistics are tragic and sobering:

Since 1998, over 900 children have died from heatstroke after being left unattended in hot cars. (Source: NoHeatStroke.org)

Even with the windows slightly rolled down, a parked car’s interior temperature can rise by 20 degrees Fahrenheit within 10 minutes. Within 30 minutes, it can increase by as much as 34 degrees. (Source: San Francisco State University)

Even on a mild day with an outside temperature of 70 degrees Fahrenheit, a car’s interior can reach temperatures of 104 degrees within 30 minutes and 113 degrees within an hour. (Source: Pediatrics Journal)

Pets are also at high risk in hot cars. On a sunny day with an outside temperature of 85 degrees Fahrenheit, the temperature inside a car can reach a deadly 120 degrees within just 30 minutes. (Source: American Veterinary Medical Association – AVMA)

Never leave children, vulnerable individuals, or pets unattended in a vehicle, even for a short time. Keep your vehicle locked when not in use, and educate children about the dangers of playing in cars. If you spot a child or pet left unattended in a hot car, take action. Call emergency services and, if necessary, break the window to rescue them.

Father smashes car windshield to rescue baby from locked hot car #Shorts

Raising awareness is the first step in preventing tragedy. Please share this blog post with friends, family, and on social media to spread the word about the importance of vehicle safety during summertime. Let’s work together to prevent heat-related incidents through awareness, education, and taking proactive steps. Stay safe and keep cool!

If someone you know was killed or seriously injured by heat stroke due to the negligence of another, you may be entitled to compensation. The San Diego personal injury lawyers at Eugene Bruno & Associates are here to help you explore your legal options.

Our San Diego attorneys are committed to protecting the rights of every client and are ready to advocate on your behalf. Reach out to us at 1-888-BRUNO-88 (1-888-278-6688) for a free consultation.