Tennessee 8th In Hot Car Deaths Nationwide

Now that summer’s here, law enforcement wants to remind parents of the dangers of hot cars.

THP Lt. Jimmy Neal said 23 children have died in hot cars in Tennessee since 1998. That places Tennessee 8th in the nation in hot car deaths.

If you see a child alone in a parked vehicle, call local authorities, Neal said.

“You need to call the police department and make sure someone comes to check that vehicle. We’ve had instances where police officers have had to respond and actually break glass to get to the child,” Neal said.

The temperature of a parked car can climb 19 degrees in only 10 minutes, Neal said.