I probably do not have to tell you how hot it's been this summer, but I did want to take a minute to let you know about a revision to a Florida law regarding leaving children in vehicles. We feel that this issue is extremely important and would ask that you pass this on to the members of your Community.

Senate Bill 2
Effective Date: 7-1-07
Previously F.S. 316.6135 made it a non-criminal traffic infraction for a parent, legal guardian, or other person responsible for a child under the age of six years to leave the child unattended or unsupervised in a motor vehicle for a period in excess of 15 minutes or for any period of time if the motor vehicle was running or the health of the child was in danger. This bill amends 316.6135 to make it a second-degree misdemeanor for a parent, legal guardian, or other person responsible, to leave a child under the age of six unattended or unsupervised in a vehicle for longer than 15 minutes. Leaving a child under the age of six years unattended or unsupervised for any period of time in a motor vehicle that is running or for any period of time where the health of the child was in danger continues to be a non-criminal traffic infraction punishable by a minimum fine of $50.00 and a maximum fine of $500.00.

However, it is a third-degree felony if a parent, legal guardian, or other person responsible for a child under the age of six years leaves the child unattended or unsupervised in a motor vehicle for a period in excess of 15 minutes or for any period of time if the motor vehicle was running or the health of the child was in danger and thereby causes great bodily harm, permanent disability, or disfigurement.

Tips to help keep your kids safe:
• Plan ahead to use drive-through services where available such as pharmacies and banks. More and more services are adding drive-through convenience, including dry cleaners, restaurants, libraries, etc. A quick search on the internet will help you find convenient drive-through services in your area.
• Call dry cleaners and other businesses to schedule pick-up and drop-off services at your vehicle. Most businesses will bring service curbside if you call ahead.
• Use your debit or credit card at the gas pump.
• Make advance arrangements for your child-care provider to meet you at your vehicle. Alternately, plan extra time into your pick-up/drop-off routine to bring all children inside with you.
• As grocery store clerks to load your bags into your vehicle and return the grocery cart.
• If possible, leave your children with a responsible adult. Arrange a baby-sitting co-op with your neighbor to give you an hour to run errands.

Accidents can happen right in your own garage or driveway. Below are some tips to help prevent accidents in or around vehicles.
• Keep vehicles locked at all times - even in he garage or driveway!
• Never leave keys within the reach of children.
• Teach children to never play in or around vehicles.
• Consider installing cross-view mirrors and/or a backup detection device on your vehicle.
• Make sure all young passengers have left your car after it is parked.
• When a child is missing, check vehicles and trunks immediately.
• If a child is locked inside a vehicle, get them out as quickly as possible. If they are hot or appear sick, call 911.

NEVER leave children alone in or around vehicles... Not even for a minute!