RELEASE: May 24, 2000

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Guest Editorial/Letter to the Editor: It Only Takes a Minute

Many well-meaning parents have done it. On a hectic day of errand-running or shuttling children, they've left the kids in the car "just for a minute" while running that quick errand or while dropping another child off at school or an activity. It seems like a harmless thing to do, and it saves time during the daily rush.

But it is never wise to leave a child unattended in an automobile -- not even for a minute. This is important to remember as we enter the busy and hot summer months.

In less than a minute, a child can climb out of a car seat and shift the car into gear. A minute can be all it takes for a child to become ill from heat or car fumes. And it only takes a minute for someone to break into a vehicle and abduct a child.

It's easy to underestimate the time a child will be left alone in an automobile. We've all had the experience of standing in the unexpected line or of running into someone we know, having a conversation and losing track of time.

Children's health experts warn that when the outside temperature is only in the high 70's, a closed automobile can heat up to 125 degrees within 15 minutes. Even with the windows cracked, a small child can dehydrate within minutes. The results of this can be tragic.

So, as we begin this summer season, make yourself a promise: each time you take your keys from your car, take your children too. It only takes a minute.

Charles Venti

Director

New Jersey Division of Youth and Family Services