Summer is in full swing and that means it's not only hot outside, but the temperature inside your car can be life-threatening. Each year, an average of 36 children die from hyperthermia after being left inside a hot car. At least 20 infants and children have died so far this year, according to a recent study by San Francisco State University (SFSU). In 2007, there were 35 fatalities. The ages range from infants to 13 years old, but the average age is about 24 months old. From 1998 to 2007, more than half of the incidents were caused by caregivers who forgot a child in the vehicle.

A car can heat up quickly even when it's relatively mild outside. On a summer day, temperatures inside the vehicle can climb more than 40 degrees in just an hour. The SFSU study points out that heatstroke occurs when a person's body temperature exceeds 104 degrees F. At just a few degrees more, 107 degrees F, cells are damaged and internal organs shut down, which can result in death. Children are particularly vulnerable, as their bodies are not as efficient as adults' bodies at managing temperatures. As a result, kids warm up much more rapidly.

Tips to help prevent these deadly accidents:

For additional information on keeping your children  safe in and around motor vehicles, visit the Kids and Cars Web site.  Also, check out our car safety video above and learn more about hot cars. And do take extra care during the summer months to ensure that children and pets are not left behind.

—Liza Barth