Don’t Put Your Child at Risk in a Hot Car

Los Angeles Personal Injury Attorney

Although we are entering the last month or so of summer, it bears repeating that you should never leave your child in a hot car.  Remember that a car’s exterior is made of highly conductive metal and that is why if the temperature outside is 90 degrees and car’s air conditioning is not running, then this temperature can reach to the extreme level of 140 degrees inside within an hour.  Around 700 children have died over the past 20 years after they were left in a hot car mistakenly. Furthermore, 87% of the children who have died in hot cars are under the age of 3.

This sudden increase in the temperature can cause the child’s core body temperature to shoot to 106 degrees which can lead to heat stroke. Moreover, the body temperature of young children and toddler rises three to five times faster than adults. Apart from heat stroke inside a car, children also become vulnerable to carbon monoxide poisoning, abduction, carjacking and emotional trauma. Therefore, even if you think that the outside temperatures are not that high, it is still unsafe and risky to leave a child alone in a vehicle.

There are certain tips that every parent, caregiver, and even a passer-by should follow to avoid any tragedy.

Look before stepping out of the car

Make it a habit of looking in the backseat before you leave the car to make sure that everyone is out of the car.

Put anything that you need immediately beside your child

Keep your cell phone, laptop, briefcase, ID, or anything of importance that you may need immediately beside your child in the backseat.

Always Lock the Doors

Even if you are not going anywhere and your vehicle is parked in the garage, keep the car doors locked to prevent children from getting into the car with your notice. Also make sure that the car keys should not be in the reach of children.

Do something, even if you are a stranger

If you notice a child alone in a vehicle, you should not ignore this, the first thing you should do is call 911.

What does the law say about leaving a child alone in a car

This issue was addressed in 2001 when a six-month old baby girl died of heat stroke when she was left alone in a vehicle for almost three hours by her baby sitter. The California State Senate then passed a bill also known as Kaitlyn’s Law, named after the baby. The legislation prohibits parents or any other person responsible for a child from leaving a child under six years old inside a vehicle in conditions that pose a significant risk to child’s health and safety.

Anyone who is found violating Kaitlyn’s law will be fined $100; however, if the unattended child is injured or dies then the responsible individual might be charged with child endangerment or manslaughter.

IF your child suffered harm while being watched by someone else, you may be able to hold them accountable.  Call The Law Offices of Jacob Emrani for legal counsel today: (888) 952-2952!