Photo: Dima Berlin / iStock / Getty Images
As temperatures rise, the New York State Governor's Traffic Safety Committee (GTSC) is warning about the dangers of heat stroke, particularly in parked vehicles. The agency urges people never to leave children, vulnerable adults, or pets alone in a hot car, as conditions inside can become dangerous quickly, even if the weather is mild.
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), 39 children died from heat stroke in vehicles in 2024, marking a 35% increase from 2023. A child's body temperature can rise three to five times faster than an adult's, with heat stroke beginning at a core body temperature of 104 degrees and death occurring at 107 degrees or more.
The temperature inside a vehicle can rise by 20 degrees in just 10 minutes, potentially reaching deadly levels even with windows cracked. GTSC Chair Mark J.F. Schroeder emphasized the importance of checking the back seat to avoid tragic accidents.
The GTSC advises parents and caregivers to never leave a child unattended in a vehicle, to check the entire vehicle before locking it, and to use reminders like placing a personal item in the back seat. If you see a child or pet alone in a hot car, call 911 immediately.
For more information on heat stroke prevention, visit the GTSC website.