Huron County, MI – As summer approaches, Prosecutor Tim Rutkowski is raising awareness about the dangers of vehicular heatstroke and urging all Huron County residents to take preventive measures. In recognition of National Heatstroke Prevention Day on May 1, Rutkowski is joining the U.S. Department of Transportation’s National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) to emphasize the lifesaving message: “Once You Park, Stop, Look, Lock.”
Vehicular heatstroke is the leading cause of non-crash, vehicle-related deaths among children in the United States. Since 1998, more than 1,000 children have lost their lives due to being left in or gaining access to a hot vehicle. In 2024 alone, 39 children died from vehicular heatstroke, a tragic increase from previous years.
“Many people believe this kind of tragedy could never happen to them, but the reality is that heatstroke deaths are 100% preventable,” said Prosecutor Rutkowski. “It only takes a brief distraction, a change in routine, or a simple mistake for a child to be left in a hot car. That’s why we are urging everyone to remain vigilant and take action to prevent these heartbreaking incidents.”
The Danger of Hot Cars
Even on a mild day, temperatures inside a vehicle can quickly become deadly. A car’s interior can be up to 50 degrees hotter than the outside temperature, and a child’s body overheats three to five times faster than an adult’s. In just minutes, a child left in a vehicle can suffer heatstroke, organ failure, or death.
How to Prevent Hot Car Deaths
Prosecutor Rutkowski and NHTSA urge parents, caregivers, and all community members to follow these three simple steps to prevent heatstroke deaths:
- Check the Back Seat – Always look before locking. Make it a habit to check the entire vehicle every time you park.
- Never Leave a Child Unattended – Not even for a minute. No errand is worth the risk.
- Lock Your Car & Secure Keys – Keep vehicles locked and store keys out of reach to prevent children from gaining access.
“By taking a few extra seconds to check your back seat and secure your vehicle, we can prevent unnecessary tragedies in Huron County and beyond,” added Rutkowski.
What to Do If You See a Child in a Hot Car
If you see a child alone in a vehicle:
- Call 911 immediately.
- Try to locate the parents or caregiver.
- If the child appears to be in distress, take action to get them out safely.
To learn more about vehicle heatstroke prevention and resources, visit the NHTSA Website on Heatstroke, or click HERE.
Together, we can save lives. Let’s make May 1 a day of action and awareness in Huron County.
