The primary risk is heatstroke, which can lead to severe injury or death, especially for young children whose bodies are less capable of regulating temperature. These incidents have affected children as young as five days old and as old as 14 years. Even a short period in a hot car can be life-threatening, as temperatures rise rapidly, even with windows cracked or the car parked in the shade. Parents and caregivers are urged to remain vigilant, as these tragedies often result from unintentional memory lapses.