CLARKSVILLE, Tenn. (CLARKSVILLENOW) – With temperatures quickly rising this spring, it is necessary to address leaving children and pets in unattended vehicles that are not left running.
According to the TN department of Health, it takes only 10 minutes for a car to reach deadly hot temperatures on an 80 degree day, and even less time for heat stroke to begin.
Heat stroke can occur when a person’s temperature exceeds 104 degrees F and his or her ability to handle heat is overwhelmed. The first symptoms include dizziness, disorientation and sluggishness, followed by loss of consciousness, hallucinations and rapid heartbeat. When the body’s core temperature reaches 107 degrees F, internal organs often stop functioning.
In the United States, heat stroke is the leading cause of non-crash, vehicle-related death for children under the age of 14.
It is harder for animals, specifically dogs, to cool down than humans, due to their cooling mechanisms. If a dog’s body temperature rises from 101.5 to 105 degrees F, it can cause brain damage or death within 15 minutes.
Currently, Tennesseans are protected by a Good Samaritan law when they have to break a car window to rescue a minor locked in a vehicle if they believe the situation threatens the child’s well-being. This law also applies to saving the life of an animal locked in a hot car.
Leaving Children Unattended in Vehicles (TCA 55-10-803)
In Tennessee, an adult in violation of the law is subject to a Class B misdemeanor for a first offense. If an injury occurs as a result of a violation of 55‐10‐803, the violator could be subject to a Class A misdemeanor or a Class A, B or D felony for child endangerment. Death as a result of leaving a child unattended is a Class E felony for criminally negligent homicide.
Leaving Animals Unattended in Vehicles (TCA 39-14-202 – Animal Cruelty/ TCA 39-14-212 – Aggravated Animal Cruelty)
In Tennessee, an adult in violation of the Animal Cruelty law is subject to a Class A Misdemeanor for the first offense and a Class E Felony for the second offense.
Police suggest that parents, or caretakers of children, put the diaper bag or something belonging to the child in the front seat, as a reminder that there is a child in the backseat.
For animals, if the pet owner or caretaker is going to a location where the animal has to sit in the car for more than 10 minutes in hot temperatures, it is best to leave the animal home where it can stay safe from the heat.
If you see a child or animal in a hot unattended vehicle, call 911. The Clarksville Police Department treats this as a high priority call and violators will be prosecuted.