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CTV News
5 days ago
- Health
- CTV News
Anyone could forget a kid in a hot car, research shows
No parent thinks they'd forget their child in a hot car. But the tragic truth is that it can happen to anyone. Since 1998, about 1,024 children have died in hot cars—and more than half of them were left behind unknowingly by their caregiver, according to There have already been 14 hot car deaths among children in the U.S. in 2025 so far, with eight occurring in June alone, the organization says. But recent research highlights that the daily stresses parents face can make these memory lapses more likely. Forgetting a child isn't a negligence problem but a working memory problem, says David Diamond, PhD, a professor of psychology at the University of South Florida in Tampa. Diamond, a leading expert in cognitive neuroscience, has studied the role of memory in such tragedies. 'The most common response is that only bad or negligent parents forget kids in cars,' Diamond says. 'It's a matter of circumstances. It can happen to everyone.' During the summer, many families change their daily routines because of vacations or other reasons, and that disruption is a common factor in these tragic incidents, Diamond's research has found. Janette Fennell, founder and president of Kids and Car Safety, a group that tracks these incidents, says, 'The worst thing any parent or caregiver can ever do is to think that something like this could never happen to them or someone in their family.' These tragedies occur at an alarming rate, and they involve a range of circumstances. reports that deaths have spanned from 5-day-old babies to 14-year-olds. And deaths from heatstroke can happen any time of year, even as early as February and as late as November. Kids and Car Safety's heatstroke fact sheet highlights that caregivers involved in these incidents come from many walks of life. They include teachers, dentists, social workers, law enforcement officers, nurses, clergymen, military officers, and even a rocket scientist. These tragic cases can happen to anyone, regardless of their education or socioeconomic status. And it's not just a summertime problem. Even on days with mild temperatures, the heat inside a closed vehicle can reach dangerous levels within an hour, posing major health risks to small children or pets left inside, Consumer Reports' testing shows. When working memory fails Diamond says the problem involves two parts of a person's working memory: prospective and semantic. Prospective memory helps us remember to do something in the future, while semantic memory allows drivers to make the trip from work to home on autopilot, where they arrive without remembering clear details of how they got there. Prospective and semantic memories work together to help us make changes to our routines; these changes can include things such as 'drop off the baby at daycare' or 'stop for groceries on the way home.' When our working memory fails, such as when we're distracted or stressed, there can be catastrophic implications, Diamond says. He gave examples of situations where critical safety steps were overlooked, such as a surgeon leaving tools in a patient, a pilot not setting the wing flaps for landing, and caregivers forgetting that there's a baby in the car. 'The habit brain system is a great convenience that allows us to go into autopilot,' Diamond says. 'The beauty of it is that we don't have to remember every turn, but the problem is that it's actually guiding our behavior. When it guides our behavior, it suppresses the other part of the brain that is supposed to remind us of additional information.' 'We have to accept the fact that our brain multitasks. And as a part of that multitasking, the awareness of a child can be lost,' Diamond says. 'We have to accept that the human memory is flawed. That includes when loving, attentive parents lose awareness of their children when they are in a car.' Diamond has studied many heatstroke cases and points to common factors: stress, sleep deprivation, and change in routine. Many times when a child died in this situation, there was a change in the day's routine, Diamond says. For example, a parent who wouldn't usually be responsible for day-care drop-off may have had the task that day. Because our brains recognize a pattern for the day, this person would drive to work as usual, even though the baby was along for the ride. And unless there was an external cue, such as seeing the diaper bag or hearing the baby, the parent's brain would continue on autopilot and could even create a false memory that the child is safely at daycare, Diamond found. Sleep deprivation and stress can also increase the potential for a working-memory failure. Conflicts between semantic and prospective memory are typical, Diamond says. His research has found that they happen to everyone—not just parents and caregivers—on almost a daily basis. The added stress, distraction, and sleep deprivation that parents often face can contribute to tragic situations. What you can do to prevent a hot car tragedy The first step is for parents and caregivers to understand that human memory is faulty and that these memory failures can happen to anyone. The key to avoiding such incidents is to use strategies aimed at overcoming memory lapses. 'The strategies need to be child-specific,' Diamond says. 'When you have a child in the car, do something unique.' Here are six tips from the expert team that tests car seats for CR. Create safeguards. Set up an agreement with child-care providers where you promise to notify them if your child is going to be late or absent. In return, they pledge to notify you if your child doesn't arrive at the usual drop-off time. Set up an agreement with child-care providers where you promise to notify them if your child is going to be late or absent. In return, they pledge to notify you if your child doesn't arrive at the usual drop-off time. Set reminders on your phone to check with your spouse or partner to make sure they have dropped the child off. to check with your spouse or partner to make sure they have dropped the child off. Always keep vehicles locked and keys out of reach from little hands. and keys out of reach from little hands. Create visual reminders. Place the child's diaper bag, jacket, or hat in the front passenger seat. Place the child's diaper bag, jacket, or hat in the front passenger seat. Force yourself to go to the back seat. Keep your backpack, lunch box, or briefcase there every day. Keep your backpack, lunch box, or briefcase there every day. Never leave a child unattended in a vehicle for any length of time, regardless of the outside temperature. Vehicles can quickly heat up to potentially fatal levels on even mild-temperature days. 'Education is very important, but education alone won't end these tragedies,' says Fennell at Kids and Cars Safety. 'It's going to take education along with technology to help our imperfect brains.' You can also invest in a vehicle or child car seat with integrated reminder technology. Consumer Reports' experts have evaluated these technologies and found that integrated systems that default to On, rather than needing to be activated by the driver, are the most beneficial. (The concern is that most parents don't think a hot car tragedy could happen to them and therefore might not turn on a protective feature.) 'When my college-aged son was an infant, this almost happened to us,' says Jennifer Stockburger, director of operations at CR's Auto Test Center. 'My husband was responsible for dropping our son at daycare one day, which was not his normal routine. He drove far past the daycare, and only when our son made some noise did he realize his mistake. Even if you can't imagine making such an error, I encourage parents to use the tips we provide to safeguard their children.' By Emily A. Thomas, PhD, Consumer Reports associate director, auto safety
Indianapolis Star
27-06-2025
- Automotive
- Indianapolis Star
Hot-car deaths are at their height for the year. How many children have died in Indiana?
With Central and Eastern states seeing temperatures well into the 90s, and high temperatures and humidity intensifying come dangerous health risks for children. Each year, heatstroke claims the lives of nearly 40 children in cars, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. According to at least 1,132 children have died from heatstroke over the last 35 years because they were forgotten or trapped in a hot vehicle. The most hot-car incidents occur from May through September. Children have died in cars every month of the year, although June, July, and August are the most common months. Being stressed can increase your likelihood of memory lapses that lead to leaving your child in a car, according to a prominent cognitive neuroscience expert who has researched the function of memory in such tragedies. David Diamond, PhD, a professor of psychology at the University of South Florida in Tampa, told Consumer Reports recently, "Forgetting a child is not a negligence problem but a memory problem." 'The most common response is that only bad or negligent parents forget kids in cars,' Diamond says. 'It's a matter of circumstances. It can happen to everyone.' Texas leads the nation with 160 hot car deaths, according to There were 16 cases of vehicular heatstroke deaths reported from 1990 to 2024. Cars can heat up quickly; interior temperatures can rise 20 degrees in 10 minutes. Even if it's only in the 60s outside, the temperature inside a car can reach 110 degrees. Examples of interior heat based on a 95-degree day: To prevent putting children at risk, Kids and Cars recommends the following safety tips: ◾Create a visual cue: Place a favorite toy in the car seat when it's empty. When you put your child in the car seat, move the toy to the front passenger seat as a reminder to check the back seat before leaving the car. ◾Create a reminder to check the back seat. ◾Make sure you have a strict policy in place with your child care provider to call you immediately if your child doesn't show up as planned. ◾Keep vehicles locked at all times, even in driveways or garages. Ask home visitors, child care providers and neighbors to do the same. ◾Keep car keys and remote openers out of reach of children. ◾Teach toddlers how to honk the horn of a car if they become trapped inside. ◾Never leave children alone in or around cars, not even for a minute. ◾If you see a child alone in a vehicle, get involved. Call 911 immediately. If the child seems hot or sick, get them out of the vehicle as quickly as possible.
USA Today
27-06-2025
- Health
- USA Today
Where do hot car deaths happen the most? Data reveals where (and when) it's most common.
This week, Central and Eastern states are seeing temperatures well into the 90s, and high temperatures and humidity are intensifying, according to Accuweather. These high temperatures can bring dangerous health risks for children. Each year, heatstroke claims the lives of nearly 40 children in cars, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. According to at least 1,132 children have died from heatstroke over the last 35 years because they were forgotten or trapped in a hot vehicle. There have been seven hot car deaths this year, according to The most recent death occurred in June in North Carolina. Hot car deaths occur most often throughout the summer The most hot-car incidents occur from May through September. Children have died in cars every month of the year, although June, July, and August are the most common months. Unable to view our graphics? Click here to see them. More: His dad went to a bar. He died in a hot car. Father charged in 18-month-old son's death Most hot-car deaths are accidental Being stressed can increase your likelihood of memory lapses that lead to leaving your child in a car, according to a prominent cognitive neuroscience expert who has researched the function of memory in such tragedies. David Diamond, PhD, a professor of psychology at the University of South Florida in Tampa, told Consumer Reports recently, "Forgetting a child is not a negligence problem but a memory problem." 'The most common response is that only bad or negligent parents forget kids in cars,' Diamond says. 'It's a matter of circumstances. It can happen to everyone.' A heatstroke fact sheet (PDF link here) provided by highlights how broad the range of caregivers involved in these accidents is. They include: fathers, mothers, sitters, social workers, police officers, nurses and members of the armed services. Where are the majority of U.S. hot car deaths Texas leads the nation with 160 hot car deaths, according to Car temperatures can climb fast Cars can heat up quickly; interior temperatures can rise 20 degrees in 10 minutes. Even if it's only in the 60s outside, the temperature inside a car can reach 110 degrees. Examples of interior heat based on a 95-degree day: Safety tips to prevent hot car deaths To prevent putting children at risk, Kids and Cars recommends the following safety tips: ◾Create a visual cue: Place a favorite toy in the car seat when it's empty. When you put your child in the car seat, move the toy to the front passenger seat as a reminder to check the back seat before leaving the car. ◾Create a reminder to check the back seat. ◾Make sure you have a strict policy in place with your child care provider to call you immediately if your child doesn't show up as planned. ◾Keep vehicles locked at all times, even in driveways or garages. Ask home visitors, child care providers and neighbors to do the same. ◾Keep car keys and remote openers out of reach of children. ◾Teach toddlers how to honk the horn of a car if they become trapped inside. ◾Never leave children alone in or around cars, not even for a minute. ◾If you see a child alone in a vehicle, get involved. Call 911 immediately. If the child seems hot or sick, get them out of the vehicle as quickly as possible. CONTRIBUTING Sarah Fowler/USA TODAY NETWORK
Yahoo
23-06-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Parenting in a heatwave: How to keep your kids safe
Every camp drop-off, Target errand, or walk to the playground feels heavier in this heat. With sweltering temperatures blanketing much of the U.S., parents are making split-second judgment calls all day long. Is it safe to walk? Should we skip swim class? Can my toddler nap in their stroller? Decision fatigue is real. As of June 23, 2025, tens of millions of people across the eastern U.S.—from Minnesota to Maine and throughout the South—are under heat advisories, with the National Weather Service warning of dangerous, even 'life-threatening' conditions through midweek. Cities like Philadelphia have declared heat emergencies, and forecasts show heat indexes hitting up to 108°F in places like Columbus, Pittsburgh, and Boston. When you're parenting in a heatwave, nothing feels simple. Here's how to stay one step ahead—and keep you and your little ones cool, hydrated, and safe. Even on an 80-degree day, the temperature inside a parked vehicle can reach 99 degrees in just 10 minutes—and up to 109 degrees within 20, according to the National Weather Service. During a heatwave, that climb happens even faster. And because babies and young children heat up three to five times faster than adults, a quick errand can turn tragic. From 1998 through 2024, more than 1,000 children in the U.S. have died from heatstroke after being left in vehicles. As of June 2025, seven more children have already died in hot cars this year, according to heartbreaking reminder of how urgent this issue remains. Most parents believe they could never forget their child in a car. But research shows this assumption can be dangerous. David Diamond, Ph.D., a cognitive neuroscientist who has extensively studied these tragedies, emphasizes that these incidents are often rooted in how human memory works—not in a parent's character or intent. His research shows that stress, exhaustion, and changes in routine can interfere with prospective memory, which is responsible for helping us remember to carry out future tasks. When that system breaks down, even attentive, loving parents can lose awareness of a child in the backseat. When those systems fail, even the most devoted caregivers can mistakenly believe they've already dropped their child off, or forget they're there at all. Summer, with its shifting routines and extra mental load, creates a perfect storm. Related: How hot is *too* hot for baby to go outside? According to data from 53% of pediatric hot car deaths involve a caregiver forgetting the child was there. 24% involve children gaining access to an unlocked vehicle and becoming trapped. Less than 22% involve a child who was knowingly left in the car. In many of these heartbreaking cases, the child was never supposed to be in the car—or wasn't typically dropped off by that caregiver. When temperatures climb into the triple digits, keeping kids safe takes more than sunscreen and frozen snacks. From camp drop-offs to last-minute errands, small habits can make a big difference. These heat-related tragedies are preventable—but doing so requires mindful, daily decisions, especially during a week when you're already juggling a million of them. Scan the backseat before you walk isn't just about checking a box—it's a buffer against decision fatigue. When your brain is full of drop-off logistics, calendar reminders, and mental to-dos, this one 2-second habit can override a moment of forgetfulness. Place your phone or wallet in the backseat. Yes, even if you're 'just popping in.' If your essentials are with your child, you'll always go back—and that's the point. Ask your childcare provider to text if your child doesn't arrive. Sometimes the mental script gets disrupted—like when your partner does drop-off instead of you. A simple system with daycare can add a safety net you'll both be grateful for. Double-check that your car is locked. Many tragedies happen at home, when little ones climb into an unlocked vehicle and become trapped. Take a quick pause to make sure all doors are shut and locked—even if your car is in the driveway. Store them somewhere hands are curious, and modern key fobs are easy to press. A key hook, cabinet, or top drawer can help keep your child from starting an adventure that turns dangerous. Hydrate your kids, not just their water wait until your child says they're thirsty. Offer water often—especially before heading to splash pads, playgrounds, or sports practice. Kids need more than they think they do. Touch the equipment first. Slides, swings, and buckles can burn tender skin in seconds. If it feels hot to your hand, it's too hot for your child. Consider parks with shade or plan visits earlier in the day. Related: How rising heat is affecting pregnancies—and what you can do to protect yourself and your baby Don't assume everyone knows the risks. If your child is spending time with grandparents, sitters, or camp staff, be clear about your expectations. Be direct and kind. Try: 'I know it's hot out this week, so I wanted to review a few things we're doing to keep [child's name] safe.' Mention car safety specifically. Ask them to always check the backseat and never leave the car unlocked, even at home. Provide backup water and extra clothes. Let them know it's okay to take breaks, go inside, or skip the playground if it's too hot. Post or text a cheat sheet with signs of heat exhaustion, emergency contacts, and reminders like 'never leave the car unlocked' and 'offer water every 30 minutes.' A quick conversation today could prevent tragedy tomorrow. And it shows your caregivers that safety is a shared responsibility—not a solo task moms should carry alone. Related: 5 safety apps and tools that remind parents there's a baby in the back seat Even when we're doing our best to keep little ones cool and hydrated, heat-related illness can come on quickly—especially in babies and young children, whose bodies heat up faster and sweat less efficiently than adults', according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Here are some signs to watch for, based on guidance from the Mayo Clinic and the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP): Flushed cheeks or unusually warm skin Unusual fatigue or difficulty waking Irritability or fussiness without a clear reason Fewer wet diapers than usual or dark yellow urine Dizziness or confusion in older children Rapid breathing or heartbeat Dry mouth or no tears when crying Vomiting or signs of dehydration If you notice one or more of these symptoms: Move your child into a cool, shaded place—ideally indoors with air conditioning, as recommended by the CDC. Offer water or breast milk/formula if they're alert and able to drink. Loosen or remove excess clothing and gently sponge their skin with lukewarm water to help bring their body temperature down. Stay close and monitor your child carefully. If symptoms don't improve quickly—or if your child becomes confused, sluggish, or stops responding—call your pediatrician or 911. As the AAP emphasizes, heat exhaustion can escalate to heatstroke if untreated, so early action is essential. You don't need to panic—but you do need to act. Trust your instincts. It's always okay to call your child's doctor for guidance—you know your child best. You matter, too. If you're sweating through every chore, skipping meals, or feeling completely touched out by noon, that's your body asking for a pause. Drink the water. Take the break. Lower your standards for a few days. Your kids need you safe and standing—not pushing through heat exhaustion because you felt guilty resting. No parent wants to imagine the unthinkable. But taking a moment to recognize the risk is one of the most protective things we can do. As Dr. Diamond puts it, 'We have to accept that the human memory is flawed. That includes when loving, attentive parents lose awareness of their children when they are in a car.'Let this heatwave serve as a cue: stop, look, and lock—every single time. You're not careless. You're carrying a lot. Let this be your reminder to pause, breathe, and double-check—because protection starts with presence. Sources: Look before you lock. National Weather Service. Look Before You Lock. Heatstroke Deaths of Children in Vehicles. No Heat Stroke. Heatstroke Deaths of Children in Vehicles. Pediatric Vehicular HeathStroke Deaths by Numbers. No Heat Stroke. Pediatric Vehicular HeathStroke Deaths by Numbers: 1998 to 2024. Stop. Look. Lock. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. Stop. Look. Lock. Stop. Look. Lock: 5 tips to save your child from heatstroke. UC Davis Health. Stop. Look. Lock: 5 tips to save your child from heatstroke. Research Shows That Anyone Could Forget Kids in Hot Cars. Research Shows That Anyone Could Forget Kids in Hot Cars. Good Samaritan Laws Regarding Unattended Children in Vehicles Laws. No Heat Stroke. Good Samaritan Laws Regarding Unattended Children in Vehicles Laws. Anyone Could Forget a Kid in a Hot Car, Research Shows. Consumer Reports. Anyone Could Forget a Kid in a Hot Car, Research Shows.
CBC
15-05-2025
- Business
- CBC
This Vancouver housing co-op is facing a $1M tax if it wants to renew its lease for more than 30 years
Social Sharing A Vancouver housing co-op is worried it may have to pay more than $1 million in tax if it wants to sign a new long-term lease — something its residents just can't afford. Helen's Court is located on city-owned land in the Kitsilano neighbourhood. It's home to about 100 people, who live in 44 units. Residents lease the land from the city and work together to maintain a lasting community. "It's affordable, stable," longtime resident David Diamond said. "The big thing is, we're a village, and I think that's rare. We all know each other, and it's self-governing, so we support each other, we take care of each other." The original 40-year lease for Helen's Court expired last year, and they have to sign a new lease by June 1. But here's the catch: if they want to sign a lease for more than 30 years, something co-ops often prefer to do, they'll be subject to the provincial property transfer tax (PTT). Diamond said residents were surprised to learn co-ops are subject to such a tax when they started negotiating a new lease with the city. "If we have to pay the tax, all kinds of things will happen," he told CBC's On The Coast host Gloria Macarenko. Right now, rent at the co-op goes up about three per cent annually to build up reserves for maintenance. To accommodate the PTT, it would have to go up at least seven per cent for several years. "We're going to make it unaffordable for some of our most vulnerable members," Diamond said. The co-op could sign a lease for 29 years, but at the end of the lease, there'd be no guarantee the co-op would continue — it would depend on whether future city leaders saw value in supporting co-op housing. "We're basically throwing potentially 30 years of the co-op's existence out the window by trying to avoid the tax," Diamond said. According to real estate lawyer Mike Walker, the PTT was introduced in the late 80s, originally as a luxury tax on properties. PTT depends on the fair market value of a property. An additional two per cent is applied for residential properties over $3 million. Only registered charities are exempt from PTT, which housing co-ops are not. "That was meant to get high-value, single-family homes, but now it's having, I think, the pernicious effect of applying to rental buildings, housing co-ops, non-profit buildings because their values are way above $3 million," Walker said. Helen's Court resident Carla Pellegrini said the co-op has been in touch with the province to find a way to exclude housing co-ops from the tax, but so far, they haven't received an answer. "We've tried to be patient and very diplomatic, but now we're up against this deadline to sign our lease, and we have to make a choice." More co-ops will face similar issue According to the City of Vancouver, there are 57 co-ops, which contain more than 3,700 housing units, on city land. Dozens more are situated throughout the province. In a statement to CBC News, the City of Vancouver said it realizes just how important housing co-ops are when it comes to offering affordable housing. While it agrees that applying PPT to co-ops erodes their affordability, it's not willing to cover that cost. However, it is supportive of lobbying the province to change the legislation. Walker said a lot of co-ops and non-profit housing operators will be affected by PTT in the coming years. "The people who put [PTT] weren't thinking about these extensions of leases," he said. "It's going to take a change to the legislation or the regulations." But he warned the government has to make the exemption crystal clear, so that for-profit developers can't take advantage of it. The province didn't respond to questions asked by CBC News about how housing co-ops fit into PTT. The Ministry of Finance said it is focused on bringing down housing costs and that it's always open to conversations about new projects.
