AAA Warns Drivers: Hot Cars Can Be Deadly This Summer

CHICAGO, Ill., (June 24, 2025) — With the high temperatures, AAA is issuing a strong warning to all drivers: never leave children or pets inside a parked car. Even on days that don’t feel scorching, the inside of a vehicle can heat up rapidly, putting lives at risk.

Every year, tragic deaths occur when children or pets are left unattended in vehicles. Many incidents happen because a caregiver forgets a child in the back seat or assumes that a quick errand won’t pose a threat. But heatstroke can happen fast—and it can be fatal.

“During the summer, we all need to be extra cautious,” said Molly Hart, spokeswoman for AAA – The Auto Club Group. “Heat-related tragedies in cars are completely preventable. We must remain vigilant to keep our loved ones safe.”

More than 1,000 children have died in hot cars since 1998, according to NoHeatStroke.org. On average, 37 die each year. 

The Risks:

• Temperatures inside a car can rise by 20 degrees in just 10 minutes, even with the windows cracked.
• Heatstroke can begin when a child’s body temperature reaches 104°F. At 107°F, death can occur.
• Animals are just as vulnerable—dogs and cats can suffer organ failure or death in extreme heat.
• It’s not just the hottest days—even at 70°F outside, a car’s interior can become dangerously hot.

AAA Safety Reminders:

🚗 Never leave a child or pet in a parked vehicle, even for a minute.
🛑 Look before you lock—make a habit of checking the back seat every time.
💡 Place something essential next to your child (phone, purse) as a reminder.
👀 Be alert—if you see a child or pet alone in a hot car, call 911 immediately.