Kids in Cars ► sponsored by ACS Computer Solutions
Seems like every few months, some parent somewhere, will think it's perfectly fine to leave a child unattended in a vehicle. Somehow in their mind, they are able to justify their actions. During the winter months, " it's to much trouble with all the extra clothing on the kids, so I'll just leave them in the car with the heat on while I run into the store for some milk". Never once considering a running car without someone in the drivers seat is a VERY LARGE INVITATION to a car thief.
Can you imagine how the parent must feel when they come out of the convenience store and their car, with their kids in their car seats are gone? This actually happened 3 to 9 times a year since 2001!
When I'm informed or read about these parents, I'm always stunned by their lack of judgment. Can their lives really be that busy? But this last weekend, a shocking story came to light that goes beyond a lack of judgment. A man in southern B.C. drove his 4 month old and 2 year old to a "beer garden" so he could have a few rounds with his friends. He left his kids in the vehicle, with the doors locked and the windows rolled up completely. He drank for hours. It was 30C outside. When the police finally were given a tip about two kids in danger, both kids were extremely dehydrated, had soiled themselves and were hysterical. Charges are pending.
These children are living in a dangerous situation, and should be removed from it, until the father receives the help he so desperately needs. Only someone in the twisted grip of alcohol would do what he did. I hope and pray he gets the help he needs. I also hope and pray he receives the harshest sentence possible under the law for what he did.
PARENTS. PLEASE REMEMBER! There is NO excuse, EVER, for leaving a child alone in a car. Not one reason justifies it. NOT ONE!
Steven