Police: Another Kid Left in a Parked Car

Joseph D. Tuerff July 13, 2012 at 06:11 am

On a summer day in 2008 in Phoenix, I saw - yet another - news segment about a child had been accidentally left in a hot car. I decided right then and there I would devote myself to bringing an end to these tragedies. In the 4 years I have examined the issue, the confluence of three factors increase the “modern-day” risk of forgetting a child in a car that all parents and caregivers must guard themselves against. These factors are: 1) the airbag technology requiring small children to be put in back out of the driver’s line of sight; 2) the increased amount of time parents spend driving kids around; and 3) last but not least, the distraction-filled lives we live today! This “modern-day” risk strikes without warning, usually around a change in caregiver routine – but not always. If you don’t think it can happen to you, the data proves you are mistaken. Some of the most responsible and caring people in our society have accidentally left a child in a car and now must live with the horrific consequences of that mistake every moment of every day since. As over half of the child hyperthermia deaths in cars are accidental, most of these tragedies can be eliminated if parents and caregivers will take steps to reduce the risk. Learn more about the issue and see one solution at www.sbtsafety.com .

lala July 13, 2012 at 11:08 am

School buses have the child reminder alarms. Maybe it's time for cars to have them. Some people are just too lazy to unstrap their kids and bring them in the store or simply don't want to be bothered with their kids while shopping. The "I will only be gone a minute" mentally could change their lives forever if something tragic were to happen.

Teena Long July 13, 2012 at 01:05 pm

I have three children and NEVER forgetten them in the car. I would never think to leave my child or my dogs unattened in my car no matter what the weather.. anything can happen!!!

Cindy B July 13, 2012 at 01:26 pm

Wait this was a 10 year old, not a baby right, in a running car with the air on?

Stephane Carlson July 13, 2012 at 02:42 pm

It's still illegal to leave children unattended in a vehicle. Meanwhile, as a mom, I understand how getting children in and out of a car can be a hassle (especially in a 2-door car!). But nobody said being a parent/caretaker is easy. People need to start taking responsibility. Now, a 10-year-old...what's the excuse?! She can get herself in and out of a car by herself and is (typically) lower maintenance in a store than a toddler. I just don't get it.

Cindy B July 13, 2012 at 02:46 pm

It's only illegal in Illinois to leave a child under 6 unattended for more than 10 minutes. I would check the facts on this story. I'm guessing she was ticketed for illegally parking in a fire lane, not leaving the 10 year old. Unless Illinois law has changed.

Tom Mangan July 13, 2012 at 03:19 pm

If the car is running the keys are in it. Are you saying its Ok to leave a 10 year old in a running car that someone can get in and drive away?

Cindy B July 13, 2012 at 04:29 pm

Tom- I'm saying that according to Illinois law it is not illegal. There are many laws I may not agree with, but it's not illegal. I wholeheartedly am against the people who are leaving babies & pets in hot cars. They are not only breaking the law, they are idiots.

Flora Dora July 14, 2012 at 12:20 am

What about leaving an elderly person who may be confused? No person should be left in a car in extreme weather and the law should have little or nothing to do with it. Simple common sense should prevail.

lala July 14, 2012 at 12:40 am

What if the kid decided to drive the car? Some people are idiots.

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