'Kaitlyn's Law' Makes it Illegal to Leave Children in Hot Cars

As the temperature continues to rise, so does the risk of vehicular hyperthermia, or heat stroke - especially for a child left inside a hot vehicle.  

Regardless of how or why a child is left behind, the end result can be devastating, said members of the California Highway Patrol (CHP) in a press release this week.

To prevent the tragedy of a young child’s death, “Kaitlyn’s Law” was enacted in California in 2002 following the heat-related death of 6-month-old Kaitlyn Marie Russell, who was left unattended in a parked vehicle on a hot summer day.

“On a typical sunny day, the temperature inside a vehicle can reach a potentially deadly level within minutes,” said CHP Commissioner Joe Farrow.  “There is no excuse for leaving a child alone in a vehicle, not even for a few minutes.”

California law prohibits anyone from leaving a child six years of age or younger unattended in a motor vehicle without the supervision of someone who is 12 years or older when: there are conditions that present a significant risk to the child’s health or safety, and when the vehicle’s engine is running and/or the vehicle’s key is in the ignition. 

While the law prohibits it, Farrow said, sadly, even the best of parents or caregivers can overlook a sleeping baby in a vehicle - and the end result can be injury or even death.  For this reason, the CHP encourages parents or caregivers to develop a plan, or a habit, which serves as a reminder of where a child is at all times.

“A few simple precautions can go a long way toward keeping a child safe,” Farrow added.  “No matter what the weather is like, or length of time you need to be away from the vehicle, leaving a child unattended in a vehicle is very risky, and can result in tragedy.”

Finally, the public is also encouraged to take an active role in safeguarding children whom they may see left unattended in a vehicle by dialing 9-1-1 immediately and following the instructions that emergency personnel provide.

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