Governor's Traffic Safety Committee Warns Parents and Caregivers About Heatstroke Risk
A Child's Body Temperature Rises Faster Than an Adult's
Vehicle Interior Can Heat Up Quickly to Reach Deadly Temperatures Even in Moderate Weather
As we enter what is traditionally considered the height of the summer season, the New York State Governor’s Traffic Safety Committee (GTSC) warns parents and caregivers to make sure they do not leave children alone in a hot car. Temperatures do not have to be unseasonably high, and the time left in a car does not need to be very long, to be dangerous. Even with windows left partly open, temperatures inside a vehicle can quickly rise.
“I urge parents and other caregivers to be aware of the risk of heatstroke and to take steps to prevent a needless tragedy,” said New York State Department of Motor Vehicles Acting Commissioner Christian Jackstadt. “We share Governor Hochul’s priorities of public safety and believe that your family is our fight. Let’s keep our families safe by not letting a moment of forgetfulness result in a lifetime of heartbreak. Always check your back seat when you exit and lock your vehicle, to protect children, vulnerable adults, and pets, and save a life!”
At least 14 children in New York State have died since 1990 as a result of heatstroke after being left in a vehicle, according to data cited by the NYS Department of State.
The GTSC is conducting a statewide public awareness campaign promoting heatstroke awareness through the summer months. Outreach includes billboards to remind people that “Hot Cars Are Deadly” and to “Check. Protect. Save.” Images of the billboards can be viewed here. Social media posts will echo that message and provide general information about how to prevent heat stroke.
To prevent vehicular heatstroke, GTSC advises:
- Never leave a child unattended in a car.
- Always double-check your car before you lock it.
- Make sure children know not to get into cars without an adult.
- If you see a child alone in a locked car, call 911 immediately!
Nationally, 31 children died in 2025 of heatstroke in vehicles, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). In addition to making it a habit to check the back seat before you lock your vehicle, NHTSA also recommends keeping your vehicle locked when parked and keeping keys and fobs out of reach of children. It says nearly three in 10 heatstroke deaths happen when an unattended child gains access to a vehicle.
You can learn more about heatstroke awareness and prevention on the GTSC website. Learn more about GTSC, and follow the GTSC conversation on Facebook, X and Instagram.