TX Law & Summer Safety Reminders

What's wrong with people? Why are some babies, children, individuals with disabilities, the older than usual elderly, or pets left in locked vehicles? When the outdoor temperature reaches 75 degrees, inside a car the temperatures can reach 105 degrees. Leaving the car running and locking the doors is not the solution. Never leave a baby, small child, any age child, pregnant woman, elderly adults, pets, or anyone with disabilities in a car on a hot day for any length of time, even if it is running, the windows are cracked, or the vehicle is parked in the shade.

Did you know that even the type of car seat, color of the car, the materials in the interior, direction of the sun, and type of pavement the car is on can increase the car's temperature? When temperatures reach 90-degree temperatures, as little as 10 minutes or less can have dire consequences, including heat stroke. Warning signs include nausea, disorientation, and a much higher heart rate. According to Motor Vehicle Safety Issues here are their reported stats for 2023:

• 33 child hot car deaths in 2022.
• 9 reported child hot car deaths in 2023.
• 38 children under age 15 die of heat stroke in unattended vehicles.
• Since 1998, nearly every state has at minimum one death.
• 53 children died in 2018 and 2019. 
• A child playing around outside who gets inside a car can die in 10 minutes.
• 56 pets died in hot cars in 2022.
• 488 pets were rescued from hot cars in 2022.

Signs of Heat Stroke (American Red Cross):

1) Hot red skin (moist or dry).
2) Changes in consciousness (they may not be sleeping).
3) Vomiting (feeling sick, heaving).
4) High body temperature.
5) Dizziness, feeling like passing out.

Extreme Heat Safety from the American Red Cross:

• Stay hydrated (for babies follow Pediatrician advice).
• Avoid "sugary, caffeinated, and alcoholic drinks." 
• Check urine color (dark yellow, may not be enough water drinking).
• Know how to combine the right snacks with water.
• Learn emergency skills from the Red Cross.
• Read labels on prescription and over-the-counter drugs.
• Dress appropriately with light weight clothing to stay cool.
• Get your air conditioning serviced or replaced if needed.
• Check on the elderly in your family and community.

Taking care of Pets

1) If you haven't had a vet check, do it now.
2) Keep water dishes clean with plenty of fresh, cool, water.
3) Know the state rules for pets in cars locally and when traveling.
4) Never shave a dog. Go to a Pet Groomer.
5) Do not leave your pets outdoors for any extended period of time.
6) Be mindful of petting or not petting pets in hot weather.

Taking care of the Elderly

• Many don't know how to change air filters or temperature controls.
• Many don't like to ask for help and may really need help.
• Many don't like to have Service People in their homes alone.
• Many can't see or read as well anymore.
• Many don't have transportation or help from family members.
• Many don't like to drive anymore and don't trust uber or deliveries.
• Many need prescription drugs and get confused.
• Many are not comfortable in their homes anymore but won't speak up.
• Many don't want to be told what to do.
• Many need to be checked on but won't admit it.
• Many can't say no to grandchildren but shouldn't be left with children.
  
  

Extreme heat and the Disabled

Human Rights Watch "report that people with disabilities faced risk of death, physical, social, and mental health distress due to extreme heat particularly if 'left to cope with dangerous temperatures on their own." 

Don't Mess with Texas

In Texas it is a crime to leave a child unattended in a car for more than five minutes. When tragedy occurs, the driver can be charged with a serious felony. If a parent has other children, Child Protective Services could be contacted. Under Texas Penal Code 22.10 "a person commits an offense if he or she intentionaly or knowingly leaves a child in a motor vehicle for longer than five minutes, knowing that the child is: younger than seven years of age; and not attended by an individual in the vehicle who is 14 years of age or older."

Pets fall into animal cruelty and may include fines and jail time. Different cities and counties may have additional laws.