Consumer Alert: NHTSA Marks May 1 as National Heatstroke Prevention DayHelp spread the word to save children from the risk of heatstroke in a hot car

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration is marking today, May 1, as National Heatstroke Prevention Day, reminding everyone to Stop. Look. Lock. to help save children from dying in a hot vehicle.

In 2025, 31 children died from heatstroke in a hot car, and two children have already died this year. Heatstroke remains one of the leading causes of non-crash vehicle-related fatalities among children, killing more than 1,000 children since 1998.

NHTSA is airing a new public service advertisement in coordination with the Ad Council. The ad continues the agency's "Never Happens" theme, which highlights how easily "never" can happen. The campaign reinforces that while no one would intentionally put their child at risk, their actions can result in fatal vehicular heatstroke.

On average, one child dies from heatstroke about every 10 days in the United States by crawling into an unlocked vehicle or being left in a car, intentionally or unintentionally.

Vehicles can heat up very quickly, with temperatures rising 20 degrees in as little as 10 minutes, creating a deadly situation for a child locked inside. Even on days as cool as 60 degrees, a child can die in a hot car. Cracking the windows or parking in the shade does little to protect a trapped child, as children's bodies warm three to five times faster than adults' bodies. There is no amount of time that's safe for a child to be left alone in a vehicle.

NHTSA offers these tips for parents and caregivers:

• Always lock your vehicle, even if you don't have a child of your own. A child in the neighborhood could get into your unlocked vehicle and be unable to get out.
• Never leave a child alone in a vehicle, even if you think you'll only be gone for a minute.
• Make it a habit to check your entire vehicle - especially the back seat - before locking the doors and walking away. Place a stuffed animal in the front passenger's seat or your purse or briefcase in the back seat to help you remember that a child is in the back seat.
• Ask your childcare provider or school to call if your child doesn't arrive as expected.
• Teach children that a vehicle is not a play area and store keys out of their reach.
• ACT if you see a child alone in a vehicle by calling 911 immediately and getting help. A child experiencing heat-related distress should be removed from the vehicle as quickly as possible and rapidly cooled.

For more information, visit NHTSA.gov/Heatstroke and TrafficSafetyMarketing.gov