Advocates warn children still dying in hot cars despite decades of awareness efforts

WASHINGTON, D.C. — After more than 25 years of public education campaigns, children in the United States continue to die in hot cars at alarming rates, prompting renewed calls for action from safety advocates on National Heatstroke Prevention Day.

Kids and Car Safety on Friday urged families, caregivers and policymakers to adopt preventive habits and accelerate the use of in-vehicle technology designed to detect and alert when a child is left behind.

“After almost three decades of public education, children are still dying at alarming and devastating rates. We know what works. Technology can, and must, be an essential part of the solution,” said Janette Fennell, founder and president of Kids and Car Safety.

Since 1990, more than 1,173 children have died in hot cars as of May 1, 2026, according to the organization. At least 7,500 others have survived, many suffering life-altering injuries.

“Hot car tragedies are every parent’s worst nightmare. And they don’t happen because someone didn’t love their child enough,” Fennell continued. “They happen because we’re human, and even the strongest love can’t compete with the limits of human memory.”

Safety advocates say modern vehicles already rely on alert systems to prevent common oversights, such as leaving headlights on or failing to buckle a seat belt, and argue similar technology should be standard to protect children.

Neuroscience research shows memory is inherently fallible, making reliance on habit and technology critical, particularly when a sleeping child in the back seat can be forgotten with catastrophic consequences.

Kids and Car Safety is partnering with organizations including Safe Kids Worldwide, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, Baby Safety Alliance and Team Protect to push for federal safety regulations while continuing public education efforts nationwide.

The group is also encouraging families to adopt simple routines, such as the “Look Before You Lock” practice, to reduce risk. One recommended strategy involves placing a stuffed animal in a child’s car seat and moving it to the front seat as a visual reminder when the child is in the vehicle.

Advocates are also urging the public to act quickly if they see a child alone in a vehicle by calling 911 immediately.

“Every day that passes without action puts more children at risk. This is a national crisis with a known solution,” said Fennell. “It’s time to use the technology that’s already in our hands.”