Is it ever acceptable to leave a child locked in a car during the summer, even for a few minutes?
It’s a question that unfortunately comes up during hot months when parents walk away for a few minutes, or in a few tragic cases, a few hours. This summer there have been a rising number of calls to action on social media.
Nationwide, adults are sweating it out in cars and documenting their experiences on video to raise awareness of the dangers of leaving children in a locked vehicle for any amount of time.
A case in Texas has been getting a lot of attention this week a fter bystanders smashed a window of a car to rescue two children.
Though we don’t have many days of sweltering heat in Oregon, leaving a child under 10 unattended for a period of time that's likely to endanger their health or welfare is considered second-degree child neglect, a misdemeanor.
One of the most recent cases in Oregon involved a Portland nanny who left two children, ages 3 and 2 months, in a car for 30 minutes while she was in a tanning salon in May. Temperatures reached 90 degrees and witnesses said the children were screaming and sweating in the car when police were called.
KOIN reports she pleaded not guilty last month to two counts each of first-degree criminal mistreatment, recklessly endangering another person, first-degree child neglect and one count of driving while suspended. Her next court date is scheduled for August.
The Safe Kids Oregon website says if you see a child left alone in a hot car, take action immediately because a kid’s body temperatures can rise three to five times faster than an adult’s, making them more susceptible to heat stroke. You can call 911 to report the incident.
As a preventative measure, place your purse, your gym bag or even your left shoe in the back seat so you can’t forget about your tiny passenger who might be sleeping.
Copyright 2014 Oregon Public Broadcasting