8 Children Die in One Week After Left in Hot Cars
Leaving kids in hot cars is dangerous and unfortunately nothing illustrates that better than the tragedy it causes.
In just the first week of August, eight children died from being left in hot cars. Since the beginning of the year 23 children have died, reports ABC.
Most parents leave their children by accident, not realizing how hot the car can get in a short period of time. The results are no less deadly when it's a mistake.
Law enforcement officials rarely press criminal charges against a parent whose child dies while left in a hot car. But it does happen in some cases.
Neglecting a child is a crime in some states and police have arrested parents for criminal neglect in cases like this. Failure to properly care for kids can also lead to Child Protective Services involvement, something no parent wants.
In a rare circumstance, a woman was convicted of murder earlier this month after her child died when left in the car overnight. The severity of the charge was due in part to the fact that the woman left her son in the car because she was high.
Part of the reason that leaving kids in hot cars is so deadly is because their bodies heat up more quickly, reports Kate Carr, president and CEO of Safe Kids Worldwide. That means symptoms can become serious in a much shorter period of time.
Even if the child survives, parents can be arrested for child endangerment for leaving kids in a hot car.
Mistakes are more likely when there's a change in schedule, reports ABC. Be aware of things that may make it difficult to remember or may distract you when getting out of the car.
Make a habit of checking the backseat every time you get out of the car, even if you don't think your children are with you.
Kids have a difficult time in hot weather so make sure they keep cool by drinking water and staying in the shade. No matter how inconvenient kids can be on errands don't leave them in the car. It's much better to have them with you then to lose them forever.
Related Resources:
- 8 kids die in hot cars in one week (Detroit Free Press)
- Neglect (FindLaw)
- Study: Hot Car Kid Deaths Hit New High in 2010 (FindLaw's Blotter)