After tragedies in South Florida, here’s how to prevent hot-car deaths of kids

With two children dying so far this summer after being left inside cars during South Florida’s sweltering heat season, experts are urging parents and other caregivers to take a series of steps to prevent tragedies.

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According to the nonprofit, Kids and Car Safety, more than 1,180 children have died nationwide after being left in a hot car since 1990. This year, 10 children have already died in unattended vehicles, the organization said.

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At least 31 children died in unattended cars in 2025, according to the National Safety Council. On average, 37 children younger than 15 years old die of heatstroke yearly after being left in hot cars.

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With parents, grandparents and other caregivers having busy lives, experts say it can be easier than some think to forget there is a child in the backseat of the car, and by the time they realize it, sometimes it’s too late.

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Kids and Car Safety offers the following advice:

• Every time you park your car, open the back door to ensure no one has been left behind.
• Place something in the backseat that you know you’ll need to start your day, like a briefcase, cellphone or laptop.
• Ask childcare staff to call you immediately if your child does not show up at school or daycare as planned.

A third of hot-car deaths occur when a child goes into a vehicle without a parent or guardian knowing it, and the child cannot get out. To avoid this from happening:

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• Keep your car doors locked at all times when parked. Ask your neighbors to do the same.
• Keep car keys and key fobs away from children.
• If a child goes missing, immediately check all vehicles, including the floorboards and trunks.
• Teach children to honk the horn and/or turn on the hazard lights.
• Never leave a child or a pet in a car unattended, not even for a minute.