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Hyperthermia Deaths of |
STATISTICS
- Total number of U.S. hyperthermia deaths of children left in cars, 2008: 37
- Total number of U.S. hyperthermia deaths of children left in cars, 2007: 35
- Total number of U.S. hyperthermia deaths of children left in cars, 1998-2008: 404
- Average number of U.S. child hyperthermia fatalities per year since 1998: 36
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Airbags vs. Hyperthermia Deaths
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In the three-year period of 1990-1992, before airbags became popular, there were only 11 known deaths of children from hyperthermia.
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In the most recent three-year period of 2004-2006, when almost all young children are now placed in back seats instead of front seats, there have been at least 110 known fatalities from hyperthermia...a ten-fold increase from the rate of the early 1990s. (graphic) [Important note: This in no way implies that it is advocated that children be placed in the front seat or that airbags be disabled. I am not advocating setting the child passenger safety movement back 10 years.]
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Circumstances
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An examination of media reports about the 361 child vehicular hyperthermia deaths for a ten year period (1998 through 2007) shows the following circumstances:
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51% - child "forgotten" by caregiver
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30% - child playing in unattended vehicle
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18% - child intentionally left in vehicle by adult
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1% - circumstances unknown
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Ages
Children that have died from vehicular hyperthermia in the United States (1998-2007) have ranged in age from 7 weeks to 13 years. The average age is approximately 24 months. Below are the percentage of deaths (and the number of deaths) sorted by age.
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Less than 1 year old = 33% (113)
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1-year old = 22% (77)
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2-years old = 21% (75)
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3-years old = 12% (43)
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4-years old = 5% (18)
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5-years old = 3% (10)
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6-years old = 2% (6)
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7-years old = 1% (2)
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8-years old = 1% (2)
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9-years old = 1% (2)
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10-years old = 1% (3)
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11-years old = 0% (0)
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12-years old = < 1% (1)
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13-years old = < 1% (1)
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Unknown = 1% (2)
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Click images for more details
2007 Fatalities |
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2004 Fatalities  |
2003 Fatalities  |
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| 1998-2007 Child Hyperthermia Fatalities by State  |
1998-2007 Child Hyperthermia Per Capita Fatalities by State  |
Click images for more details
LEGAL
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States with "Unattended Child" Laws click to enlarge |
MEDICAL
- Heatstroke occurs when a person's temperature exceeds 104 degrees F and their thermoregulatory mechanism is overwhelmed
- Symptoms include : dizziness, disorientation, agitation, confusion, sluggishness, seizure, hot dry skin that is flushed but not sweaty, loss of consciousness, rapid heart beat, hallucinations - A core body temperature of 107 degrees F is considered lethal as cells are damaged and internal organs shut down
- Children's thermoregulatory systems are not as efficient as an adult's and their bodies warm at a rate 3 to 5 times faster than an adult’s.
VEHICLE HEATING DYNAMICS
The atmosphere and windows are relatively “transparent” to the sun’s shortwave radiation (yellow in figure below) and are warmed little. The shortwave energy does however warm objects that it strikes. A dark dashboard or seat can easily reach temperatures in excess of 180 degrees F.
These objects (e.g., dashboard, steering wheel, childseat) heat the adjacent air by conduction and convection and also give off longwave radiation (red) which is very efficient at warming the air trapped inside a vehicle.
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Objects Heated by the Sun Warm Vehicle's Air
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VEHICLE HEAT STUDY
- Study of temperature rise in enclosed cars on 16 dates between May 16 and Aug. 8, 2002.
- Ambient temperature were between 72 and 96 degrees F.
- Dark Blue mid-side sedan with medium grey interior
- Also tested with windows “cracked”
click to enlarge images
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All 16 Cases
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Average Temperature Rise
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SAFETY RECOMMENDATIONS
- NEVER LEAVE A CHILD UNATTENDED IN A VEHICLE. NOT EVEN FOR A MINUTE !
- Be sure that all occupants leave the vehicle when unloading. Don't overlook sleeping babies.
- Always lock your car and ensure children do not have access to keys or remote entry devices. If a child is missing, check the car first, including the trunk. Teach your children that vehicles are never to be used as a play area.
- Keep a stuffed animal in the carseat and when the child is put in the seat place the animal in the front with the driver.
- Or place your purse or briefcase in the back seat as a reminder that you have your child in the car.
- Make "look before you leave" a routine whenever you get out of the car.
- Have a plan that your childcare provider will call you if your child does not show up for school.
CONCLUSIONS
- Average elapsed time and temperature rise
- 10 minutes ~ 19 deg F
- 20 minutes ~ 29 deg F
- 30 minutes ~ 34 deg F
- 60 minutes ~ 43 deg F
- 1 to 2 hours ~ 45-50 deg F
- “Cracking” the windows had little effect
- Vehicle interior color probably biggest factor
- "Parents and other caregivers need to be educated that a vehicle is not a babysitter or play area ... but it can easily become tragedy"
CONTACT INFORMATION
Jan Null, CCM
Adjunct Professor of Meteorology
San Francisco State University
Phone: (408) 379-7500
Email: jnull@ggweather.com
RESOURCES & LINKS
