Every year, dozens of children die after being left in hot cars. Most parents are shocked by these stories, convinced it could never happen to them. But these tragedies aren’t caused by carelessness, they’re caused by dangerous myths that give parents a false sense of security.
Here are four of the most common hot car myths still circulating, and the truth every parent and caregiver needs to know.
Myth #1: “I’d never forget my child.”
Why it’s dangerous:
This belief creates a false sense of immunity. Forgetting a child in the back seat isn’t about love or attentiveness. It’s about how our brains work under stress, routine, and distraction.
The truth:
Even the most caring parents can fall victim to memory lapses. Doctors, teachers, and safety experts have all faced this nightmare. When stress or a change in routine kicks your brain into “autopilot,” the part of your memory that keeps track of future tasks (like dropping off your baby) can completely shut down.
What to do instead:
Build a habit.
Myth #2: “If I crack a window, it’s safe.”
Why it’s dangerous:
Cracking a window does almost nothing to slow down how fast your car heats up. It’s not a safety measure. It’s a myth.
The truth:
On a mild 75°F (24°C) day, your car’s interior can reach over 114°F (46°C) in 10 minutes, even with a window open. A child’s body overheats 3-5 times faster than an adult’s. That’s a deadly combination.
What about running the AC while you're inside?
Keeping your baby comfortable is important, ideally between 72-78°F (22–26°C), but that doesn't make it safe to leave them in the car unattended, even briefly.
Myth #3: “I left the engine and AC running, it’s fine.”
Why it’s dangerous:
Leaving your car running doesn’t eliminate risk. In fact, it introduces new ones.
The truth:
Even with the AC on, your child is still in danger. The engine could stall. The AC could fail. Someone could steal your car. And beyond physical safety, there’s psychological stress, a baby left alone, even in a cool car, can experience trauma.
There is no safe reason to leave a child in the car, running or not.
Myth #4: “I’ll only be gone for a minute.”
Why it’s dangerous:
This is one of the most common and most fatal myths. That “quick trip” could turn deadly in minutes.
The truth:
Even on a 79°F (26°C) day, it only takes 10 minutes for your car’s interior to reach nearly 100°F (38°C). A child’s smaller body cannot handle heat like an adult’s. Their core temperature can rise rapidly, leading to heatstroke, organ failure, and death, often silently.
A minute is never just a minute. Always take your child with you.
Hot car deaths are not caused by bad parenting. They’re caused by human memory, misinformation, and a culture that assumes “it could never happen to me.” But it can, and that’s why it’s vital to replace these myths with truth and proactive habits.
What you can do today:
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Never leave a child unattended in a vehicle.
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Use a reminder system
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Share this article with other parents and caregivers.
Let’s stop normalizing assumptions and start normalizing behavior that protects life.
Always remember what matters most.
