District attorney warns about dangers of car-related heatstroke

WILMINGTON, NC (WWAY) — New Hanover County’s district attorney is warning people about the dangers of hot cars during the summer. 

DA Jason Smith says that temperatures inside of a car can reach as high as 150 degrees during sunny days. 

If a child or animal is left in that heat, it can lead to death in minutes. 

There have been more than 1,000 cases of children dying from car related heatstroke in the US since 1998—including one in Wilmington in 2016. 

Smith says parents should always pay attention to warnings from the vehicle, and leave something next to your child’s car seat, like your purse, phone, or wallet. 

That way, you’ll be forced to check before you leave the car. 

“Think before you decide to leave a child in the car for even a minute. Just for a minute–it could change your life,” Smith said. 

Smith adds you should always lock your car when you leave it. 25% of car-related heatstroke deaths were caused by children getting into cars, and becoming locked inside.