Safety

U.S. Record Set for Child Hot Car Deaths Matched in 2018

Jan. 15, 2019

Two fatalities still are being investigated.

Despite a rise in public awareness campaigns, 2018 was a record year for the deaths of children in hot cars.

The single-year high of 49 deaths originally set in 2010 once again was matched this past year. An additional two deaths in 2018 are being investigated, which could surpass the record.

"Passing legislation is an important step, but can be a lengthy process," the National Safety Council stated in a public response. "Parents and caregivers can act immediately, and the council calls on them to pay stricter attention in 2019 starting today – even though it is January, when weather is cooler in most states. On relatively mild days, temperatures inside vehicles still can reach life-threatening levels in minutes, and cracking windows does not help."

The NSC also advises parents and caregivers to stick to a routine and avoid distractions to reduce the risk of forgetting a child. In addition, keep car doors locked so children cannot gain access, and teach them that cars are not play areas.

Place a purse, briefcase or even a left shoe in the backseat to force you to look before you lock, the organization suggested.

About the Author

EHS Today Staff

EHS Today's editorial staff includes:

Dave Blanchard, Editor-in-Chief: During his career Dave has led the editorial management of many of Endeavor Business Media's best-known brands, including IndustryWeek, EHS Today, Material Handling & Logistics, Logistics Today, Supply Chain Technology News, and Business Finance. In addition, he serves as senior content director of the annual Safety Leadership Conference. With over 30 years of B2B media experience, Dave literally wrote the book on supply chain management, Supply Chain Management Best Practices (John Wiley & Sons, 2021), which has been translated into several languages and is currently in its third edition. He is a frequent speaker and moderator at major trade shows and conferences, and has won numerous awards for writing and editing. He is a voting member of the jury of the Logistics Hall of Fame, and is a graduate of Northern Illinois University.

Adrienne Selko, Senior Editor: In addition to her roles with EHS Today and the Safety Leadership Conference, Adrienne is also a senior editor at IndustryWeek and has written about many topics, with her current focus on workforce development strategies. She is also a senior editor at Material Handling & Logistics. Previously she was in corporate communications at a medical manufacturing company as well as a large regional bank. She is the author of Do I Have to Wear Garlic Around My Neck?, which made the Cleveland Plain Dealer's best sellers list.

Nicole Stempak, Managing Editor: Nicole Stempak is managing editor of EHS Today and conference content manager of the Safety Leadership Conference.