Never Leave a Child or Vulnerable Adult Alone in a Vehicle

Every summer, heartbreaking headlines remind us how quickly an ordinary day can become a tragedy.

This week, Florida reported its fourth child death from vehicular heatstroke in 2026 after a two-year-old died in Hallandale Beach. Florida now accounts for four of the nation's ten hot car deaths this year. According to WUSF Public Media, these tragedies continue to occur despite widespread public awareness, underscoring how quickly a lapse in attention can have devastating consequences.

At Abraham Law, we believe protecting our community begins with education. Whether you are a parent, grandparent, caregiver, babysitter, healthcare provider, or simply someone walking through a parking lot, understanding the dangers of hot vehicles can save a life.

A Vehicle Can Become Deadly in Minutes

Many people underestimate how quickly temperatures rise inside a parked vehicle.

Patti Liedy, Chair of the National Safety Council's Florida Vehicular Heatstroke Task Force, explained that "a vehicle's internal temperature can rise 20 degrees in the first 10 minutes of being turned off."

She also noted that a vehicle's temperature can rise as much as 50 degrees higher than the outside temperature.

Children are particularly vulnerable because their bodies heat up three to five times faster than adults. According to the National Safety Council, "On average, 37 children under the age of 15 die each year from heatstroke after being left in a vehicle."

These tragedies can occur even on days that do not seem dangerously hot.

It Is Not Just Young Children

Although young children face the greatest risk, they are not the only ones in danger.

Anyone who cannot safely exit a vehicle without assistance should never be left inside, including:

• Infants and young children
• Elderly adults
• Individuals living with dementia or Alzheimer's disease
• Adults with developmental or intellectual disabilities
• Individuals with significant physical disabilities
• Anyone who is unconscious, ill, or otherwise unable to protect themselves

Heatstroke can develop rapidly and may result in permanent brain injury, organ failure, or death.

Even Good Intentions Can Lead to Tragedy

Many hot car tragedies do not happen because someone intentionally left a loved one behind. They often occur when an ordinary day is interrupted by stress, fatigue, distractions, or an unexpected change in routine.

As Amber Rollins of Kids and Car Safety told WUSF Public Media, "Being someone who says 'this will never happen to me' opens up the possibility that this is going to happen to you."

Recognizing that these tragedies can happen to ordinary families should encourage all of us to remain vigilant. Good intentions cannot overcome the dangers of extreme heat inside a parked vehicle. The law expects caregivers to protect those who cannot protect themselves, and even a brief lapse in attention can have irreversible consequences.

What Florida Law Says

Florida law prohibits leaving a child younger than six years old unattended in a motor vehicle:

• For more than 15 minutes, or
• For any length of time if conditions create a significant risk to the child's health or safety, including dangerous heat.

Depending on the circumstances, violations may result in criminal charges. If a child suffers serious bodily injury or dies, more serious felony charges, including child neglect or manslaughter, may apply.

If You See a Child or Vulnerable Adult Alone in a Vehicle

Florida Statute 768.139 protects individuals who act in good faith to rescue a child or vulnerable adult from a locked vehicle when they reasonably believe the person is in imminent danger. Before entering the vehicle, call 911 to notify law enforcement if possible. Use only the amount of force reasonably necessary to gain entry, and remain with the individual in a safe location until first responders arrive. If these requirements are met, Florida law generally provides immunity from civil liability for damage to the vehicle.

Abraham Law's Commitment to Community Safety

At Abraham Law, we believe our responsibility extends beyond representing injured clients after tragedy strikes. We are equally committed to educating our community about preventable dangers and encouraging safer choices.

References

• WUSF Public Media. A Fourth Child in Florida Dies in a Hot Car. Experts Warn How to Prevent the Tragedy. July 8, 2026. https://www.wusf.org/weather/2026-07-08/fourth-child-dies-hot-car-florida-how-to-prevent-tragedy
• National Safety Council. Hot Cars. https://injuryfacts.nsc.org/motor-vehicle/motor-vehicle-safety-issues/hotcars/
• Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles. Car & Driveway Safety. https://www.flhsmv.gov/safety-center/child-safety/car-driveway-safety/
• Fla. Stat. § 316.6135 (Unattended motor vehicle).
• Fla. Stat. § 768.139 (Rescue of vulnerable persons or domestic animals from motor vehicles).