Parents and caretakers warned about leaving kids in hot vehicles

The California Highway Patrol is warning the public of the dangers of leaving a child alone inside a sweltering-hot vehicle.

"When left in the sun, it only takes a minute for the inside of the vehicle to become like an oven," said CHP Capt. Whiteford of the Ventura area office.

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 in motion.

"Not only is it dangerous, it's illegal to leave a child in a car," Whiteford said.

"Kaitlyn's Law," also known as the Unattended Child in a Motor Vehicle Act, states that anyone who leaves a child 6 years old or younger inside a vehicle without the supervision of someone at least 12 years 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 Sake has designated August as Purple Ribbon Month.

To support this campaign, the CHP has affixed a purple ribbon to the antennae of its patrol cars. The ribbons are in memory of children who've lost their lives, including 6month-old Kaitlyn Russell, who died from hyperthermia after being left unattended in a parked vehicle Aug. 15, 2000.

"As a driver, you are responsible for all of your passengers' safety while the vehicle is running and when it's parked," said Whiteford.

The CHP urges anyone who observes an unattended child in a vehicle to immediately call 911.