The Texas Health Department warns parents after the fourth child dies of heatstroke in a car in two weeks.
CORPUS CHRISTI, Texas — The Texas Department of State Health Services is urging parents and caregivers to remain vigilant after the state recorded its fourth child death from heatstroke in a parked car in just two weeks — surpassing the total number of such deaths reported in all of 2024.
According to the Texas Heatstroke Taskforce, 15 children in the United States have died from hot car incidents as of July 9. Texas now accounts for more than a quarter of those fatalities.
“The heatstroke death of a child is a tragedy too often repeated in our state,” said DSHS Commissioner Dr. Jennifer A. Shuford. “The temperature inside a vehicle can rise nearly 20 degrees in 10 minutes, and heatstroke will occur when a child’s body can’t cool itself quickly enough. Children – and pets – should never be left in the car for any length of time.”
Heatstroke in parked vehicles is the second-leading cause of vehicle-related deaths among children under the age of 15, trailing only car crashes. State officials note the causes vary — ranging from a child being forgotten in a car, climbing into an unlocked vehicle without anyone knowing, or being left in a car intentionally under the false assumption that it is safe.
DSHS emphasized that cracking a window does not prevent interior temperatures from reaching dangerous levels.
To prevent these tragedies, state health officials are urging Texans to follow key safety steps:
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Never leave a child alone in a vehicle, even if the engine and air conditioning are running.
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Always check the back seat before exiting your vehicle — “Look Before You Lock.”
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Use reminders, such as placing a personal item in the back seat, to avoid forgetting a child.
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Keep vehicles locked and car keys out of reach of children at all times.
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If a child is missing, check nearby pools and water sources first, then vehicles, including trunks.
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Call 911 immediately if you see a child alone in or around a vehicle.
Health officials say a sudden change in routine or distraction is often enough to lead to deadly mistakes. DSHS is asking Texans to stay alert, especially during the hottest months of the year.