CLARKSVILLE, Tenn. (CLARKSVILLENOW) – Summer is far from over, and parents and caregivers are reminded to never leave a child alone in a hot vehicle.
It takes a matter of minutes for the inside of a car to heat up and become deadly to a child or animal.
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Good Samaritan Law
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.
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.
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.