The total number of child hot car deaths in 2024 has reached 11 as of today, July 17.
In the latest child tragedy, a 2-month-old girl died after being left inside a hot car in New Jersey on Monday.
According to Kids and Car Safety, there are 3 additional child deaths that are likely linked to being left inside a hot car that are pending autopsy results.
Last week, a 5-year-old died after being left inside a hot car in Nebraska and a 2-year-old in Arizona died after being trapped in a hot vehicle.
The first child hot car death happened in May of this year when a 3-year-old in South Carolina gained access to an unlocked car outside her home.
Within minutes, an automobile parked in a sunny location can reach dangerously high temperatures. It is during the first ten minutes that temperatures climb the fastest.
The body can begin to experience heatstroke when its core temperature hits 104 degrees. At 107 degrees, death is possible. A hot car can turn deadly in mere minutes, as a child’s body temperature rises three to five times faster than an adult’s. There is an equal risk to dogs left in cars; they can only cool off by panting or through sweat glands on their paws.
Across the nation, hot car deaths remain a major concern. Kids and Car Safety reports that at least 1,093 children (more than 90% are 3 years of age or younger) have died since 1990 due to being left inside or gaining access to hot cars. An additional 7,500 children survived with various degrees of injury.
How Many Hot Car Deaths Involving Kids Happen in Florida?
Of the 11 child hot car deaths in 2024, only one happened in Florida. A 6-year-old girl was left inside a car in May when her body core temperature reached 107.2 degrees. An autopsy determined the child died from extreme heat.
One of the three pending hot car death cases involves the death of a 3-year-old child in Brevard County, FL.
According to alarming research that looked at data from more than three decades, Florida ranks second in the nation for children dying in hot cars. The report, which was published in May by Kids and Car Safety, examined data from 1990 to 2023 and found that, nationally, at least 1,083 children died in overheated cars during that time. According to the study, Florida has had 118 child fatalities from overheated cars since 1990, trailed only by Texas, which has seen 155 deaths.
Please Make Sure to Look Before You Exit Your Car
Our Florida Injury Lawyers at Whittel & Melton know that accidents happen. We urge all parents and caregivers to take a few extra seconds to check your backseats before you get out of your car. A tragedy can occur in minutes.
You can learn more about the science behind heatstroke here.
If you or a loved one has lost a child because of negligence, including leaving a child trapped in a hot car, our Florida Injury and Wrongful Death Lawyers at Whittel & Melton will help you understand your legal options. Call us today at 866-608-5529 or contact us online to request a completely FREE consultation.