Man Sits In 100 Degree Car To Prove A Point

Summer is the cruelest time when it comes to safety in cars. Far too often, children left in cars are literally broiled to death; a product of unacceptable and irresponsible behavior from parents. One man simply could not take it anymore. Enter Terry Williams, a North Carolina man who took it upon himself to show the world what it is like being stuck in a hot car.

Williams filmed himself on an 86 degree day. The video starts with him sitting in a hot automobile, explaining his actions.

“I’m sitting in the car with the windows rolled up ’cause I want to know how it feels to be left in the car,” he says. As he begins to sweat, his commentary reflects what his body already shows. “”As you can see, I’m sweating—like, I can barely breathe out here—but my system is stronger than these little kids’ systems.”

If you still do not understand how much Mr. Williams is sweating, your video is on the wrong setting. Turn it up to 1080p and look again. Beads of sweat roll off of Terry’s face; literally drenching him. The science behind this is simple.

“Cars parked in direct sunlight can reach internal temperatures up to 131° F – 172° F (55° C – 78° C) when outside temperatures are 80° F – 100° F (27° C – 38° C),”according to a study done by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). “Heatstroke occurs when the body temperature reaches 104 degrees Fahrenheit; essentially, the body becomes unable to control its temperature: the body’s temperature rises rapidly, the sweating mechanism fails, and the body is unable to cool down. Body temperature may rise to 106 degrees F or higher within 10 to 15 minutes.”

107 degrees – a mere one degree higher – is lethal. In May 2004, a report by the NHTSA indicated that “approximately twenty-five children a year die as a result of being left or becoming trapped in hot vehicles.”

Twenty-five is twenty-five too many. Viewers rallied behind Williams, making their own videos and trying the hot-car-challenge. As temperatures rise and advocacy grows, the message is clear: don’t leave your kids in the car.