What Can Happen When Leaving a Child Unattended in a Vehicle?

Shopping with children can be challenging. The process of buckling and unbuckling a child repeatedly to take him in and out of the car for errands may become unpleasant for both of you. As tempting as it is to leave your child behind in the car, leaving a youngster unattended in a vehicle might lead to serious consequences.

  1. Heatstroke

    • The temperature in a car rises quickly, even on days when it̵7;s not exceedingly warm outside. On a day with temperatures of approximately 60 degrees Fahrenheit, the interior temperature of a vehicle can rise approximately 20 degrees in the first 10 minutes, states the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. A child can quickly become overwhelmed from heat in a car, even with windows rolled down. Symptoms of heatstroke vary, but include red, moist or dry skin; an absence of sweating; either a fast or weak pulse; nausea; confusion; and strange behavior.

    Car Theft

    • Some parents might reason that by leaving the car running with the air conditioner blowing, it̵7;s safe to leave a child unattended in the vehicle. Although this could resolve the issue of heatstroke, this does not address the risks of car theft or of the child trying to operate the vehicle. Car theft is often a crime based on opportunity, warns the Seattle Police Department. If a would-be thief finds your car running with your child buckled in the back seat, he may drive away in the car with your child. If your child can unbuckle his car seat or seat belt and move to the driver's seat, he could move the vehicle and potentially have an accident.

    Abduction

    • Abduction is another potential risk of leaving a child unattended in a car, warns the Broward County, Fla., sheriff̵7;s office. During the time you are away from your child, an abductor could enter your car and take your child. Child abduction can occur in only a moment or two under some circumstances. Even if you lock your car doors, a criminal could break a car window to gain entry.

    Legal Issues

    • Some states have laws in force, making it illegal to leave a child unattended in a vehicle, states the department of geosciences at the San Francisco State University website. For example, in Texas, it is a Class ̶0;C̶1; misdemeanor to leave a child younger than 7 years of age alone in a car for more than five minutes, states Constable Ken Jones, with Harris County, Texas. Leaving your child unattended in a state with an unattended child vehicle law might lead to charges against you.

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