NEVER leave children alone in or around
vehicles.
NOT EVEN FOR A MINUTE.
Many caring and responsible parents have left their children alone in a car, not realizing the risks involved. Parents should not leave a child alone in a car while they drop off clothing at the dry cleaner or escort another child to school. Results of leaving a child alone in a vehicle can be deadly.
- The temperature inside a car can reach deadly levels in minutes.
- Children can accidentally set the vehicle in motion.
- Drivers have difficulty seeing small children when they back up.
- The child might leave the vehicle to go look for you.
- Your child can be abducted.
Safety Tips
- Children should never be left alone in a vehicle, not even while running a quick errand.
- Keep vehicles locked at all times, even when in the driveway or garage.
- Keys should never be left within reach of children.
- Teach your children to never play in or around a vehicle.
- Consider installing cross-view mirrors and/or a backup detection device on your vehicle.
- Always make sure all child passengers have left the car after it is parked.
- If a child is locked inside a car, get them out as quickly as possible. If they are very hot or seem sick, call 911 or your local emergency number immediately.
- When a child is missing, check vehicles and car trunks immediately.
* Information provided by the KIDS IN CARS organization. www.kidsincars.org
For more information:
Child Protective Services Hotline at
703-324-7400 (press option 2)
TTY 703-222-9452
Keeping Kids Safe
Part of the Blue Ribbon campaign
to prevent child abuse and neglect in Fairfax County