The Dangers of Leaving Children Unattended in Cars

Tragedies can happen in the blink of an eye. You might be juggling groceries or making a phone call when your little one falls asleep in the backseat.

You think, “I’ll just run in for a minute. They’ll be fine.” But that minute can become more dangerous than most people realize. Every year, children are injured or worse because they were left alone in a vehicle for what parents assumed would be a safe, short period.

Sometimes parents forget a child is in the car, distracted by life’s endless demands. Other times, it’s a quick errand, like dropping off a package or running into the coffee shop. Unfortunately, a vehicle can quickly become a life-threatening environment. If a caregiver, daycare, or other party left your child unattended in a vehicle and they were harmed as a result, you can take steps to hold the negligent party accountable. It’s important to work with a knowledgeable team of injury attorneys during this process.

Let’s look at the dangers of leaving children unattended in cars.

The Heat Factor

Cars heat up fast, even when it does not feel that hot outside. On a 75-degree day, the inside of a vehicle can climb to nearly 100 degrees within 10 minutes. Children’s bodies heat up three to five times faster than adults. That makes them vulnerable in the heat. By the time their core temperature reaches 104 degrees, heatstroke sets in. When that reaches 107 degrees, it can be fatal.

A slightly cracked window does very little to reduce the risk. Some parents might think that their children will be safe, but research shows the interior temperature still rises rapidly.

Other Hazards Inside the Car

Heat is not the only danger. Kids are curious and may be unaware of the risks around them. When left alone, a child can roll up power windows, shift the car into gear, tangle in seatbelts, or pull items down onto themselves.

Hypothermia can also occur in colder weather. It can occur if the child is wearing a thin layer of clothing or is left in the car for an extended time.

Let’s not forget the threat of crime. Parked cars can be attractive to thieves. And if you leave a child inside, that creates a perilous situation. Cases of carjackings or abductions with children in the backseat happen more than most people realize. A momentary lapse in attention can put a child in danger from someone with harmful intentions.

Why Common Fixes Don’t Work

Many parents think leaving the car running with air conditioning or cracking a window is enough to keep everyone safe. Unfortunately, these solutions carry their own risks. Running cars can malfunction, leading to carbon monoxide buildup.

Plus, that can make the vehicle a target for theft. A child alone in a running car is never safe, no matter how much airflow or cooling seems to be present.

The Legal and Emotional Implications 

Along with the physical dangers, leaving a child unattended can carry serious legal problems. Most states have laws prohibiting this behavior, with fines or jail time if a child is harmed.

But the emotional burden is another consequence. The regret and guilt of knowing your child was exposed to a preventable danger can last a lifetime.

Steps to Keep Kids Safe

The solution is simple: Never leave your child alone in a car, even for just a minute. You want to make a routine of checking the backseat every time you exit the vehicle.

Some parents leave a visual reminder in the backseat, such as a purse, phone, or a shoe, to force an extra glance before leaving the car.

A Final Reminder

Kids rely on us to keep them safe. It only takes minutes for a parked car to become life-threatening. Carrying a sleeping child into a store might feel inconvenient, but a little extra effort is better than a lifetime of regret.

When it comes to the safety of your children, no errand is worth the risk.