This past week alone, at least five young children died in hot cars across the United States. So far in 2025, that number has already reached double digits—and summer has just begun.

These deaths are not rare accidents. They are a recurring national crisis. In 2024, 39 children died from heatstroke in cars—up 35% from the year before.

A child’s body temperature rises 3 to 5 times faster than an adult’s. In 90-degree weather, a car can hit 130°F in less than an hour. Even “just a few minutes” can turn fatal.

We are calling on President Trump, the U.S. Department of Transportation, and Congress to immediately declare a National Hot Car Emergency and launch a coordinated, high-urgency response.

This could include:

A national awareness campaign with urgent safety messaging for parents and caregivers
Accelerated implementation of legislation mandating rear seat alert systems in all new vehicles
Emergency funding for states to educate communities and distribute simple prevention tools like backseat reminder tags, stickers, and temperature sensors.

These deaths are entirely preventable.

If the same number of children died from a toy or food product, the nation would recall it immediately. Why do we delay action when it comes to hot cars?

Sign this petition to demand urgent action to stop hot car deaths. Declare a national emergency. Let no more children die this way.