194 Rescue Calls in One Month: JAF Reports on Key Lockouts with Children or Pets Left in Vehicles

The Japan Automobile Federation (JAF), a general incorporated association (President: Masahiro Sakaguchi), announced on Tuesday, July 14, the number of rescue operations conducted in the previous August for incidents involving keys locked inside vehicles with children or pets left unattended, urging the public to prevent in-vehicle heatstroke accidents.

194 Rescue Requests in One Month Due to Key Lockouts with Children or Pets Left Inside

Between August 1 and August 31, 2025, JAF responded to 194 such key lockout rescue incidents nationwide, where children or pets were left inside the vehicle.

According to on-site interviews, common causes of lockouts included: "the vehicle was automatically locked while the driver was placing a child in a child seat and walking back to the driver’s seat," and "a pet dog accidentally pressed the door lock button."

Car Q&A Corner

"Smart keys are now standard—why do key lockouts still happen?"

Interior Temperature Reaches 53°C After 90 Minutes When Parked in Sunlight

In a comparative verification test conducted by JAF in September 2025 on interior temperature changes in vehicles parked in direct sunlight versus shade (in a multi-level parking structure), the temperature at the driver’s seat reached 38°C just five minutes after the air conditioning was turned off when parked in direct sunlight. After 90 minutes, it rose to 53°C, and the heat index※ far exceeded the "danger" level.

These results clearly demonstrate the danger of leaving children or pets unattended in vehicles.

※Heat Index: An indicator focused on the body’s heat exchange with the external environment, incorporating three major factors affecting human heat balance: "humidity," "radiant heat and surrounding thermal conditions," and "air temperature."

Comparison of Driver’s Seat Interior Temperature Changes

Leaving children or pets in a vehicle—even for a "short time" or because they are "asleep"—can lead to in-vehicle heatstroke.

Regardless of weather, outside temperature, or whether the air conditioning was on, never leave children or pets unattended in a vehicle.

Detailed Verification Results

Summer Interior Temperatures and Fluid Loss (JAF User Test)

Additionally, JAF is a cooperating organization for the Japan Meteorological Association’s 2026 "Toward Zero Heatstroke" project, actively promoting heatstroke prevention awareness.

According to Tomoko Kubo, Meteorological Forecaster (Japan Meteorological Association):

"Temperatures from July to September are expected to be near or above average nationwide, and this summer will likely be severely hot. In particular, after the rainy season ends, the Pacific high-pressure system will strengthen over Japan, leading to intense heatwaves. Eastern and western Japan may experience days with maximum temperatures exceeding 40°C. The lingering heat in late summer will also be severe. Comprehensive heatstroke prevention measures are essential—not only during outdoor activities but also indoors, including frequent breaks and hydration."

What Is a Key Lockout?

A "key lockout" occurs when a vehicle’s key is left inside the car and the doors are locked, trapping the key inside. Also known as "in-lock" or "in-key," this is one of the most frequent types of incidents among JAF roadside assistance rescue requests.

2025 Roadside Assistance Rescue Data