STATISTICS

• Total number of U.S. hyperthermia deaths of children left in cars, 2011:  49
• Total number of U.S. hyperthermia deaths of children left in cars, 2009:  33
• Total number of U.S. hyperthermia deaths of children left in cars, 1998-2010:  465
• Average number of U.S. child hyperthermia fatalities per year since 1998: 37
• See Monthly Statistics

• Circumstances

  • An examination of media reports about the 443 child vehicular hyperthermia deaths for an twelve year period (1998 through 2009) shows the following circumstances:

    • 51% - child "forgotten" by caregiver (228 Children)

    • 30% - child playing in unattended vehicle (131)

    • 18% - child intentionally left in vehicle by adult  (80)

    • 1% - circumstances unknown (4)