Number Of Child Deaths In Hot Car Already Up Compared To Last Year

We talk about it every year, but it continues to happen -- children and pets dying after being left in hot cars.

Summer isn't even here yet, and already the number of hot car deaths is up compared to 2015. The National Safety Council says at least 11 children have died this year. At this time in 2015 the number of deaths was at four.

So what's causing people to forget their child is in the car? A professor at Baylor University says distracted behavior plays a role and one simple step can stop it from happening.

"I say the first thing you should do is open up your trunk, put your smart phone in there and get it out when you arrive. I bet you that will reduce this occurrence of events that we're seeing with people leaving their children and other loved ones and their pets behind," said Dr. James Roberts, Technology Researcher.

In all, 24 children died after being left in hot cars last year.