INDIANA – As summer temperatures fluctuate, public health and safety officials are issuing an urgent reminder to drivers: a parked vehicle can reach dangerous, life-threatening temperatures in a matter of minutes, even on mild or overcast days.
Inside a closed vehicle, sunlight passes through the glass windows, heating the dashboard, seats, and interior air. The trapped heat has nowhere to escape, creating a greenhouse effect. Research shows that a car’s interior temperature can rise by nearly 20 degrees Fahrenheit in just 10 minutes, and up to 40 degrees within an hour. Crucially, opening or cracking a window does very little to slow this process or cool the cabin.
Children, older adults, pets, and individuals unable to exit a vehicle independently face the highest risk. Children are particularly vulnerable because their bodies absorb heat more quickly and cool down far less efficiently than adults. When a human’s core body temperature reaches 104°F, heatstroke sets in; at 107°F, the condition becomes fatal.
To prevent tragic incidents of vehicular heatstroke, emergency services recommend adhering to core safety practices:
- Check the Back Seat Every Time: Establish a habit of opening the rear door at every stop. Placing an essential item in the back seat—such as a phone, shoe, wallet, or bag—forces you to check the rear before walking away.
- Never Rely on a Cracked Window: Airflow through partially opened windows is insufficient to counteract the rapid heat gain inside an enclosed vehicle.
- Keep Keys Out of Reach: Store key fobs and car keys where children cannot access them. A significant number of heat-related vehicle incidents occur when curious children climb inside an unattended car to play and become accidentally locked in.
- Act Immediately if Someone Is Trapped: If you notice a child, pet, or vulnerable person distressed inside a parked car, dial emergency services right away. Follow the dispatcher’s instructions to safely extricate the individual if immediate intervention is necessary.
By building simple habits and remaining vigilant, drivers can protect their passengers and prevent avoidable heat-related injuries.
