Indio CHP Highlights Kaitlyn's Law in August
It’s never a good idea to leave a child in a parked car, but it’s especially hazardous here in the desert, during the dog days of summer.
That’s why the Indio Area Office of the California Highway Patrol is promoting awareness of “ Kaitlyn’s Law” during the month of August.
“When left in the sun, it only takes a minute for the inside of the vehicle to become like an oven,” said CHP Captain Sherrell Sutherland of the Indio Office.
“Not only is it dangerous, but it’s illegal to leave a child in a car,” she said.
Heat isn’t the only danger: children left in running cars can injure themselves or others by accidentally hitting a gear and putting the car into motion.
Kaitlyn’s Law, also known as the “Unattended Child in a Motor Vehicle Act,” states that anyone who leaves a child six years of age or younger inside a vehicle without the supervision of someone at least 12 of old can be fined $100.
To increase awareness of the dangers of leaving children unattended in or around motor vehicles, the organization 4 R Kids has designated the month of August as “Purple Ribbon Month.” In support of this campaign, the CHP has affixed a ribbon to the antenna of all its patrol cars. The ribbons are in memory of children who have lost their lives, including 6-month-old Kaitlyn Russell who died from hyperthermia after being left unattended in a parked vehicle August 15, 2000.
“As a driver, you are responsible for all of your passengers’ safety while the vehicle is running and when it is parked,” said Capt. Sutherland.
The Indio CHP commander also urged anyone who sees an unattended child in a vehicle to
immediately call 911.