INDIANA — As a “summer-like” warm spell pushes temperatures upward across Indiana, safety advocates are issuing a critical reminder: it doesn’t have to feel like a heatwave for a vehicle to become a death trap.
Kids and Car Safety, a national non-profit, is urging Hoosier caregivers to remain vigilant. Their data shows that even on a mild 70-degree day, the temperature inside a parked car can soar to 90 degrees in just 10 minutes and hit 113 degrees within an hour.
The Science of a Tragedy
Heatstroke can occur when a person’s core body temperature reaches 104 degrees; at 107 degrees, cells begin to die and organs shut down. For children, the risk is significantly higher because their bodies heat up three to five times faster than adults.
One of the most heart-wrenching aspects of these incidents is that they often happen to loving, attentive parents. Experts note that in over 50% of cases, the child was unknowingly left in the vehicle due to a “human memory failure”—often triggered by a change in daily routine, lack of sleep, or a moment of distraction.
“Hot car tragedies can happen to anyone,” said Amber Rollins, Executive Director for Kids and Car Safety. “These incidents are not the result of bad parenting—they are the result of a combination of circumstances like a change in routine and fatigue.”
New Protections for Hoosier “Good Samaritans”
As of March 2026, Indiana residents have new legal protections when it comes to intervening in a potential hot car crisis.
New Pet Rescue Law (House Bill 1165): Earlier this month, Governor Mike Braun signed legislation that removes financial liability for those who forcibly enter a vehicle to save a domestic animal in distress. Previously, rescuers were responsible for half of the repair costs.
- The Rule: You must first call 911, ensure the doors are locked, and stay with the animal until authorities arrive.
Protecting Children: Indiana’s “Good Samaritan” protections already provide civil immunity for those acting in good faith to rescue a child from a life-threatening situation. If you see a child alone in a vehicle, officials say you should act immediately and call 911.
Critical Safety Steps for Parents
To prevent a “forgotten child” tragedy, Kids and Car Safety recommends these “Look Before You Lock” habits:
Childcare Check-ins: Ask your childcare provider to call you immediately if your child does not show up as scheduled.
The Stuffed Animal Trick: Keep a stuffed animal in the child’s car seat. When the child is buckled in, move the animal to the front passenger seat as a visual reminder.
The “Left Shoe” Method: Place an essential item, your phone, employee badge, or even your left shoe, in the backseat. This forces you to open the rear door every time you reach your destination.
Strict Key Control: Always keep your vehicle locked when parked at home. Roughly 25% of hot car deaths occur when a child climbs into an unlocked car on their own and becomes trapped.
