05/22/2026
Three children tragically lost their lives in hot cars within just 24 hours this week. A 2-month-old in Virginia, a 1-year-old in Alabama, and a 4-year-old in California.
Since 1990, more than 1,177 children have died in hot cars nationwide, and thousands more have suffered injuries. Most of these tragedies happen to children aged 3 and under, often during a change in routine when a loving, responsible caregiver unknowingly leaves a child behind.
As we head into the holiday weekend, please take extra precautions:
• Always check the back seat before locking your car
• Put your diaper bag, purse, phone, or work badge in the back seat as a reminder
• Ask daycare providers to call if your child doesn’t arrive as expected
• Keep vehicles locked and keys out of children’s reach
These tragedies are preventable. Awareness matters, but so does action and lifesaving technology in vehicles. Please help spread the reminder: look before you lock.
