The Dangers of Leaving Children or Pets in Hot Cars

The Dangers of Leaving Children and Pets in Hot Vehicles

As the summer season approaches, it becomes increasingly important to be aware of the risks associated with leaving children and pets in hot vehicles. Tragic incidents occur every year, often due to simple forgetfulness rather than intentional harm. According to KidsAndCars.org, since 1990, at least 1,141 children have died in hot cars across the United States. These statistics highlight the urgency of educating the public about the dangers of heat exposure inside vehicles.

In Minnesota, the last hot-car-related death was reported in 2021, while North Dakota’s only such incident occurred in 2006 in Grand Forks County. Despite these rare occurrences, local authorities emphasize that no community is completely immune to this risk. Lt. Tim Runcorn from West Fargo Police explains that these accidents typically happen when people are distracted or preoccupied with other responsibilities. “They have work on their mind, or they have something else going on. They kind of load them up. They and everything else start clicking in their brain. They just go to where their next destination is, and they leave them in the car,” he says.

The temperature inside a vehicle can rise dramatically within minutes. Steven Steinbrueck, a Community Life Educator with Sanford Safe Kids, notes that the inside of a vehicle can become 40 degrees hotter than the outside temperature. Even cracking a window does little to mitigate this danger. “In the first 15 minutes, the car can usually get 19 to 20 degrees hotter than the outside. So all of a sudden, your 80-degree day is now a 100-degree day in the car,” he explains.

PETA has reported 80 heat-related deaths this year, emphasizing the importance of immediate action if a child or pet is found locked in a hot vehicle. If a dog is showing symptoms like heavy panting and lack of coordination, it is crucial to give them water and apply a cold towel to their head and chest. For humans, rehydration is key. A child’s internal body temperature can reach 104 degrees, leading to heat exhaustion, cramps, and eventually more severe issues as the temperature rises to 107 degrees.

West Fargo Police and Moorhead Police both stress that penalties for leaving a living creature in a hot vehicle depend on the severity of the situation and are determined by the courts. “Leaving some type of living creature in the vehicle under severe conditions. The charges that we would recommend would be sent forward to the state’s attorney based on the severity of what we find them in,” adds Runcorn.

It is essential for the public to know what to do in such emergencies. If someone sees a child or pet locked inside a hot car, they should call 911 immediately. Local agencies are working to gather data on arrests related to hot-car incidents, but charges typically fall under categories such as child abuse, child neglect, pet abuse, or pet neglect.

The Grand Forks Police Department reports that since January 1st, 2020, there have been 49 calls for service related to child and/or animal welfare. However, no arrests have been made in these cases. This highlights the need for continued awareness and education to prevent such tragedies from occurring. By staying informed and taking proactive steps, communities can help ensure the safety of children and pets during the hottest months of the year.