CDOT urges drivers to never leave vulnerable passengers alone in hot cars

Statewide — The Colorado Department of Transportation is reminding all drivers about the dangers of leaving children, dogs and other vulnerable passengers alone in vehicles on hot and warm days, even for short periods of time. While a hot car death has not occurred in Colorado since 2008, record-breaking summer heat is increasing the number of days when hot vehicle deaths are possible. Each year, an average of 37 children die in hot cars across the United States.

“One last look before you lock and leave can prevent 100% of these tragedies,” said Col. Matthew C. Packard, chief of the Colorado State Patrol. “Knowingly leaving a child or vulnerable passenger in a hot vehicle is reckless and can result in criminal offenses if harm is done. Please take the time to remove children and other passengers from cars, even for a quick errand, on warmer days.”

In Denver, the average high temperature in October is 63°F, well within the risk zone for hot car deaths. So far this year, Denver has had seven days of 100ºF or above, and more than 50 days above 90ºF. The state continues to break record high temperatures, most recently on Aug. 21.

“It’s not uncommon for Colorado to experience fall seasons in the 70 and 80 degree range, well above the 57 degrees needed to put vulnerable passengers at risk of heatstroke,” said CDOT’s Executive Director Shoshana Lew. “Although the hottest days of the year are likely behind us, temperatures are still expected to spike. Never leave anyone in a car unattended — not even for a quick errand, not even for a short moment.”

Children’s bodies can heat up three to five times faster than an adult’s, so remember these tips to prevent vehicular heatstroke:

• Keep a passenger's item, such as their toy or device, in the front seat as a visual reminder when your child is in the back seat. Also put your phone, purse or work bag in the back seat next to your child.
• Even if you don’t have children, keep your car doors locked at all times. A child in your neighborhood could gain access to your vehicle and become trapped.
• If a child is missing, check car interiors and trunks.
• If you notice an unattended passenger in a hot car who appears distressed, call 911 immediately.

More information and resources about how to prevent vehicular heatstroke can be found on CDOT’s Unattended Passengers webpage.