The Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS) has issued a call to action for all Texans following the alarming number of child deaths due to being left in locked cars.
These tragic incidents are becoming an increasingly concerning problem, with the state seeing four child deaths in just two weeks—already surpassing the total number of three deaths for all of 2024.
This comes as part of a broader national issue, with 15 hot car deaths recorded across the United States in 2025 alone, with Texas accounting for nearly 33% of the total.
The deaths of children left in cars have sparked urgent discussions on how to prevent these heartbreaking accidents. Although we should all aim for zero deaths every year, certain Texas agencies are working to raise awareness, sharing safety tips and signs to prevent further tragedies.
Horrific Statistics: Hot Car Deaths on the Rise
While
c
ar crashes are the leading cause of death for children under 15, heatstroke from being trapped in a hot car ranks second. The most common scenarios include parents or caregivers forgetting their child is in the car or leaving them for just a few minutes.
Unfortunately, even cracking a window does little to alleviate the danger. The temperature inside a vehicle can rise by 20 degrees in just 10 minutes, quickly causing heatstroke in children who cannot regulate their body temperature effectively.
According to DSHS Commissioner Jennifer Shuford, the consequences of leaving a child or pet in a vehicle can be deadly:
“Heatstroke occurs when the body can’t cool down fast enough. Children—and pets—should never be left in the car for any length of time.”
Essential Safety Tips from Texas DSHS
To help prevent more tragedies, the Texas Department of State Health Services recommends the following actions for parents and caregivers during the hotter months:
Never leave a child alone in the car
, even if the car is running with the A/C on.
Always check the back seat
before exiting your vehicle to ensure no one is left behind.
Don’t assume it won’t happen to your child
—it can happen to anyone.
Place your wallet, phone, or another important item
in the back seat to force yourself to check after parking the car.
Keep your car locked at all times
and store your keys out of children’s reach to prevent them from entering the vehicle unsupervised.
Call 911 immediately
if you see a young child alone in a parked car.
Take Action: Be a Lifesaver
Texas is working hard to raise awareness, but it’s also up to each of us to take personal responsibility to protect children in our care. While heatstroke prevention is a critical concern, Texas Heatstroke Task Force provides additional resources and guidance on preventing accidents related to heatstroke.
The key takeaway is clear: Never leave a child alone in a car, even for just a minute. These moments can be deadly, and the consequences are devastating. By following these tips, you can help save lives and ensure that the tragedy of hot car deaths doesn’t continue to affect our communities.
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