HomeMy WebLinkAbout20260701 Hot Car Awareness Day
RECOGNIZING JULY 1, 2026 AS HOT CAR AWARENESS DAY
WHEREAS, pediatric vehicular heatstroke remains one of the leading causes of non-crash, vehicle-
related fatalities among children in the United States, with more than 1,000 children having lost their
lives since 1998, underscoring the importance of public awareness, prevention, and community
education to protect children and promote public safety; and
WHEREAS, a child’s body temperature can rise three to five times faster than that of an adult, and
these tragedies can happen to any family regardless of background, often resulting from changes in
routine, stress, fatigue, or distractions; and
WHEREAS, raising awareness, encouraging simple safety habits such as checking the back seat
every time a vehicle is parked, and utilizing reminder technologies can help prevent these tragedies; and
WHEREAS, preventing pediatric vehicular heatstroke requires a collective commitment from
families, caregivers, schools, community organizations, public safety agencies, and residents to remain
vigilant and share lifesaving information; and
WHEREAS, Project SafeRide, an initiative founded by youth advocate Sailee Raja, works to
educate communities about the dangers of vehicular heatstroke through public outreach, community
engagement, and free safety resources; and
WHEREAS, the City of Palo Alto supports efforts to promote awareness, prevention, and child
safety through education and community partnership.
NOW, THEREFORE I, Vicki Veenker, Mayor of the City of Palo Alto, on behalf of the entire City
Council, do hereby proclaim July 1, 2026 as Hot Car Awareness Day in the City of Palo Alto and
encourage all residents, families, caregivers, educators, and community organizations to observe this
day by promoting awareness of pediatric vehicular heatstroke and taking simple preventive actions that
help safeguard children and strengthen public safety throughout our community.
Presented: July 1, 2026
______________________________
Vicki Veenker
Mayor
Proclamation