You should not leave a child unattended in a motor vehicle for any length of time. If children are trapped inside cars—especially in hot weather—they can suffer from heat exhaustion or heat stroke in a matter of minutes, leading to permanent disability or death. Heat stroke, also known as hyperthermia, can cause shock, seizures, irregular heartbeat, and heart attack, as well as brain, liver, and kidney damage. Leaving a child unattended in a car is also a form of neglectful supervision that is investigated by Child Protective Services.
In Kentucky, leaving a child unattended in a motor vehicle is considered a serious matter due to the potential harm that can come to the child, including heat exhaustion, heat stroke, and other heat-related illnesses. Kentucky law KRS 507.040 deems it a criminal act to wantonly engage in conduct that creates a substantial danger of death or serious physical injury to a minor. This can include leaving a child unattended in a car, especially under conditions that pose a risk to the child's health or safety, such as extreme temperatures. Additionally, such an act can be investigated by Child Protective Services as neglectful supervision, which may lead to further legal consequences. Parents and guardians are urged to be vigilant and never leave children unattended in vehicles to prevent these tragic outcomes.