As temperatures begin to rise, officials across the state are raising awareness to prevent hot car deaths in Georgia. On May 1, National Vehicle Heatstroke Prevention Day, the Georgia Department of Early Care and Learning (DECAL), the Governor’s Office of Highway Safety, and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) relaunched their annual “Look Again” campaign. The initiative urges the public to remain vigilant and never leave children or pets unattended in a vehicle.

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Why the Heat Is So Dangerous

Georgia summers can be unpredictable and intense. Even on a mild day with outdoor temperatures around 77°F, the inside of a parked vehicle can climb rapidly. At a recent press conference, a thermometer placed inside a car reached 102°F — proving that even short exposure can be fatal. This quick heat increase is particularly dangerous for children, whose bodies heat up three to five times faster than adults.

The urgency behind addressing hot car deaths in Georgia stems from both awareness and action. Cracking a window or parking in the shade does not significantly lower the risk of heatstroke in children or animals.

Alarming Data Behind the Campaign

Statistics and Tragic Losses

Since 1998, over 1,000 children across the United States have died due to vehicular heatstroke. Most of these tragedies occurred when children were unintentionally forgotten in cars, while others managed to enter unattended vehicles unnoticed. In 2024 alone, 39 children died from heatstroke nationally — with two of those deaths reported in Georgia.

The "Look Again" campaign began over a decade ago following the heartbreaking death of a Georgia child left unattended in a caregiver’s car. It has since become a crucial summer safety initiative.

Safety Tips to Prevent Hot Car Deaths

Simple Steps Can Save Lives

To prevent hot car deaths in Georgia, officials recommend the following:

  • Always look again before locking your vehicle.

  • Place a personal item like your phone, wallet, or purse in the back seat as a reminder.

  • Set alerts on your phone to check the back seat.

  • Teach children that vehicles are not play areas and always keep cars locked.

If you spot a child left in a parked car, call 911 immediately. Under Georgia law, you are allowed to enter the vehicle if the child is in visible distress.

Every Second Counts

“As we enter another Georgia summer, we want to remind everyone—parents, caregivers, even bystanders—to stop, look, and lock,” said Allen Poole, Director of the Governor’s Office of Highway Safety.

Hot car deaths in Georgia are preventable. A few extra seconds of awareness can mean the difference between life and death.

Have you ever taken steps to help prevent a hot car incident? Share your thoughts and tips in the comments below.

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