Contact: Shannon Bullock
Phone: 910-228-8565
May 1, 2026
Greensboro, NC — State and national safety leaders gathered today at the Greensboro Science Center for a powerful and emotional event highlighting the dangers of leaving children in hot cars—and the simple actions that can prevent tragedy.
Hosted by the North Carolina Office of State Fire Marshal (OSFM) alongside Safe Kids North Carolina, Safe Kids Worldwide, the North Carolina Governor’s Highway Safety Program, and Safe Kids Guilford County, the event featured a striking display of 50 pairs of children’s shoes, each representing a young life lost in North Carolina due to vehicular heatstroke since 1998.
Across the United States, an average of more than 35 children dies each year from vehicular heatstroke. In North Carolina, these tragedies continue to impact families, with children lost in recent years—reminding communities that this danger is real and ongoing.
Even on a mild day, the temperature inside a vehicle can rise 20 degrees in just 10 minutes—and continue climbing rapidly. Cracking a window does little to slow the heat. Children are especially vulnerable, as their bodies heat up 3 to 5 times faster than adults, putting them at risk of heatstroke in a matter of minutes.
“Today is about more than awareness—it’s about honoring the children we’ve lost and making sure no family has to experience this kind of heartbreak again,” said Brian Taylor, State Fire Marshal. “These tragedies can happen to anyone. All it takes is a change in routine—but one simple habit, like placing something important in the back seat, can be the difference between life and loss.”
Speakers emphasized that hot car deaths are not the result of neglect but often happen when routines are disrupted—something that can affect anyone.
“It takes more than a reminder—it takes a community. Every child lost in a hot car is a tragedy we have the power to protect and prevent when organizations come together with purpose. These tragedies happen across the U.S. and all demographics,” said Torine Creppy. “They are 100% preventable, and they are happening right here in North Carolina.”
The North Carolina Governor’s Highway Safety Program reinforced that child passenger safety is part of a broader safety culture that includes seat belt use, impaired driving prevention, and speed awareness. “Keeping our children safe is a shared responsibility, and tragedies like vehicular heatstroke can be prevented through the consistent habit of checking the back seat, every time,” said Governor’s Highway Safety Program Director Mark Ezzell. “Never leave a child, senior adult or pet in an unattended vehicle, and each time you park, be sure to stop, look and lock.”
Officials are urging all caregivers to take these simple, life-saving steps:
- Look Before You Lock – Always check the back seat before leaving your vehicle
- Put something important in the back seat – purse, phone, badge, or even a shoe
- Keep vehicles locked at all times – even when parked at home
- Act immediately – If you see a child alone in a car, call 911 right away
- Create reminders – set phone alerts or arrange daycare check-in calls
“These are the kinds of tragedies that stay with families and communities forever,” added Brian Taylor. “But they are preventable. One habit—looking in that back seat—can mean everything.”
The event concluded with a moment of silence as attendees reflected on the display behind them—a powerful visual reminder of lives lost too soon. “Behind every pair of shoes is a child who should still be here,” said Brian Taylor. “If today changes one habit, one routine, or one decision, it can save a life. Look before you lock—every time.”
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