TALLAHASSEE – Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FLHSMV) Executive Director Dave Kerner, Department of Children and Families (DCF) Secretary Taylor Hatch, State Surgeon General Dr. Joseph Ladapo, Division of Emergency Management Meteorologist Caitlyn Gillespie, Florida Highway Patrol Colonel Gary Howze, and other public safety leaders gathered at the Florida Historic Capitol to highlight the dangers of leaving children, pets and vulnerable adults unattended in vehicles

Joining state leaders today were the parents and grandparents of Ariya Paige, who lost her life in July 2023 when her babysitter left her inside a hot car for five hours. Grandmother Pamela Paige worked with Clay County Sen. Jennifer Bradley and State Representative Chuck Brannan to get Ariya’s Act written and passed. A year ago, Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis signed Ariya’s Act into law, designating April as Hot Car Death Prevention Month in Florida to spread education and awareness on the dangers of leaving children unattended in vehicles and the penalties around it.

Sheriff Michelle Cook posted a video on social media Tuesday supporting Ariya’s Act and reminding drivers to check their cars before leaving.

“The goal is to help raise awareness about the dangers of leaving children unattended in vehicles and to promote safety and preventative measures,” she said. “The temperatures in our state get incredibly hot, and if a child is left unattended in a vehicle, every second matters.

“It's crucial to never leave a child in that situation, and to always check the back seat before locking your car. And if you see a child alone in a car, call 911, immediately. Under Florida law, leaving a child unattended in a vehicle is not only extremely dangerous, but it's also a crime. So not only for the month of April and for the summer, but for every month.”

Hatch said every second counts when someone is left behind in a hot car, especially when interior temperatures can quickly reach 120 degrees.

“Keeping our vulnerable populations safe is our highest priority at the Department, and it takes a united approach,” Hatch said. “With Florida’s high temperatures, even a few minutes in a hot car can turn into a life-threatening situation. We urge every caregiver to ‘Look Before You Lock.’ To every Floridian, we need your help.  Spread awareness and be vigilant on behalf of vulnerable Floridians left unattended in a vehicle. Together, we can protect and support one another.”

“Even a few minutes in a hot car can cause heatstroke, especially for children,” said Ladapo. “Each one of these deaths is heartbreaking, but we can take preventive steps. Make it a habit to check the back seat before locking the car.”

Ariya’s mother, Brooke Paige, said, “Ariya’s Act commemorates Ariya Renee Paige, my 10-month-old daughter who died on July 19, 2023, when she was left unattended in a vehicle for five hours by her babysitter. Our family is devastated and will always feel like a piece of our heart is missing with the loss of Ariya. Now, we are dedicated to ensuring no other families lose a child like we lost our precious baby girl. Ariya’s Law ensures that she will forever be remembered, and when lives are saved, her death will not be in vain.”

Leaving a child in a hot car may seem inconceivable, but unfortunately, it occurs, and the results are often deadly. The inside of a car can get hot fast, reaching temperatures in the hundreds within minutes.

Some tips to keep everyone safe this summer include:

·         Checking the back seat before you leave the vehicle.

·         Putting your purse, phone, or lunch in the backseat so you are sure to look before you lock the door.

·         Never leave your car unlocked. Children may accidentally lock themselves in and are unable to get out.

·         If routine plans change and someone else is dropping the kids off, have them call at drop-off so you know everyone made it safely.

According to the National Safety Council, in 2024, 39 children died in the United States after being left in a vehicle, marking the highest number in a single year since 2019. For more information on hot car safety tips, please visit FLHSMV.gov/heatstroke.

The Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FLHSMV) provides highway safety and security through service, education, and enforcement excellence.

Paige's family described her as a happy 10-month-old baby who loved to cuddle, laugh and be outdoors. Araya loved to splash around in the water and be on the boat with her parents and was so close to taking her first steps, but her life was tragically cut short back in 2023 when a babysitter left her in a hot SUV for over five hours. In response to this horrible tragedy, the family worked with Florida legislators to enact a rising act designating April as Hot Car Death Prevention Month.

The goal is to help raise awareness about the dangers of leaving children unattended in vehicles and to promote safety and preventative measures. The temperatures in our state get incredibly hot, and if a child is left unattended in a vehicle, every second matters.