I have a faint memory from childhood that involves my sister and I in my dad's car. We were at the gas station, so I'm guessing he was inside paying. My sister was in the passenger seat and I was in the drivers seat. Why? I'm not quite sure. My sister and I were messing around trying to kick each other and one of us knocked the car out of park and into neutral. Next thing I know we are rolling backwards down a hill towards the somewhat busy road. My dad is running after us and some strange person opens the door and is able to stop the car.

Looking back I can see how lucky my sister and I were that some kind person was willing to do that for my father and us. It also serves as a reminder to me, now that I am a parent myself, not to leave my child unattended in a car. One never knows what could happen.

Aside from kids kicking the car into neutral there are many other risks in leaving your child alone in the car, such as:

Over heating or freezing.

Kidnapping.

Having your car stolen while your child is still inside.

Child getting lose from car seat/seat belt, thus getting hurt if you are in an accident.

Child getting out and wandering away.

Having your parked car get hit by another car. Even a tap could hurt the child.

If you are one of the many people who do leave your child alone in the car, please reconsider your actions. Is the life of your child worth the convenience of leaving him/her alone even for a couple minutes?

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