According to Kids and Cars, at least 940 children have died in hot cars since 1990. In fact, 2018 and 2019 have been the worst years in history for hot car deaths with over 100 child deaths.
Child Care Aware of Virginia encourages the public to never leave a child in a vehicle unattended, always look in the back seat before exiting your car, always lock your car, and always keep your keys out of children’s reach.
Even a loving, responsible parent can unknowingly leave their child vulnerable to these senseless deaths. Life is hectic and routines change. Establish a system to remind yourself that your child is in the car. Try placing a briefcase, purse or cell phone next to the child’s car seat; that way you will always check the back seat before you leave your car. We recommend ordering a BabyIn BabyOut hangtag for your rear view mirror to remind you to #LookBeforeYouLock. Ask your child care provider to alert you if your child does not show up as planned. You can even set a daily reminder on your cell phone.

* Information from Kids and Cars
Protecting children is everyone’s business! If you see a child unattended in a car and are concerned, you should immediately call 911.
Click here to view Virginia’s bystander law.
Write Your Representatives to Support the Hot Cars Act of 2019



Spread the Word
Example social media posts:
-See a child alone in a car? Call 911 immediately. #HeatStrokeKills #LookBeforeYouLock
-2018 and 2019 have been the worst years in history for hot car deaths. You can help prevent them if you remember to #LookBeforeYouLock
-2020 is the year that hot car deaths stop increasing. #LookBeforeYouLock
Hot car deaths are 100% preventable. #LookBeforeYouLock
If you’d like a copy of our Car Safety Packet, contact your local Child Care Aware of Virginia office.