Preventing Real-World Pediatric Vehicular Heatstroke Events With Technology.

Objectives. To determine if currently available technologies can prevent real-world pediatric vehicular heatstroke cases. Methods. We systematically reviewed cases of children dying in hot vehicles to identify "exemplar" scenarios. Exemplar events were defined as cases that were distinct from others based on characteristics of the child, caregiver, and the setting or context in which the event occurred. We then determined whether available detection, alerting, and intervention technologies would have functioned as intended in each scenario. Results. We identified 10 exemplar cases. Technologies' effectiveness varied drastically; some would have functioned as intended in all exemplar cases, and others in only 1 or 2. No single technology by itself could have prevented all deaths. Conclusions. A combination of vehicle technologies is needed to reduce cases of pediatric vehicular heatstroke. Public Health Implications. The Hot Cars Act (2021) mandates that vehicles have child safety alert systems in 2025. However, it does not provide any specific guidelines to manufacturers about which technologies should be used. Our results highlight technologies that may be most effective in preventing pediatric vehicular heatstroke and underscore the importance of utilizing multiple features in tandem. (Am J Public Health. Published online ahead of print June 18, 2025:e1-e5. https://doi.org/10.2105/AJPH.2025.308109).