Postavke privatnosti

Danger of leaving children in vehicles during high temperatures: precautions and recommendations from experts

In summer, when temperatures rise, the risks of dehydration and heat stroke in children left in vehicles increase significantly. Even a short time in a heated car can have serious consequences. The Ministry of the Interior and experts warn about the importance of awareness and prevention in order to prevent tragedies.

Danger of leaving children in vehicles during high temperatures: precautions and recommendations from experts
Photo by: Domagoj Skledar/ arhiva (vlastita)

With the arrival of high temperatures, the danger of dehydration and harm to children left in vehicles increases. Considering previous similar cases, we remind parents and all caregivers of the risks and dangers of exposing children to the sun and high temperatures. Even a short stay in a heated vehicle can have tragic consequences.

The Ministry of the Interior, in cooperation with the Andrija Štampar Teaching Institute of Public Health, has created an informational leaflet. It highlights the consequences of leaving children in vehicles, the legal frameworks, and expert recommendations. The goal is to increase the awareness of parents and other responsible persons about the importance of caring for the youngest to avoid tragedies.

Children are less able to adapt to high temperatures than adults, so their bodies heat up significantly faster (three to five times). High external temperatures quickly lead to an increase in children's body temperature and heat stroke. If not reacted to in time, organ failure occurs. Just 15 minutes in an overheated car can cause brain and kidney damage, and even death.

DO NOT LEAVE CHILDREN ALONE IN VEHICLES!
Leaving children unattended in a closed vehicle is gross neglect and abuse, which is a criminal offense of Violation of Child Rights. The consequences can be death or serious health impairment, and the responsible person can be punished with imprisonment from 1 to 15 years.

Stress, the hustle and bustle of life, and numerous daily obligations often lead to parental forgetfulness. The fight with memory manifests in such a way that activities are performed automatically, without conscious attention, which can result in forgetting important actions, such as turning off the iron or stove.

Special attention should be directed to children, as during the summer months, the number of accidents increases when parents, due to high temperatures and the burden of obligations, leave children alone in the vehicle.

AVOIDING AUTOMATIC ACTIONS:
- Consciously paying attention to movements when getting into the car (e.g., touching the steering wheel, sounds from the surroundings).
- Changing routines (route to work, order of actions, not performing multiple actions simultaneously).
- Leaving items that need to be taken before leaving the car on the back seat (bag, mobile phone, laptop).
- Adopting methods of coping with stress and being present in the moment.

CHILD EDUCATION:
- Explain to children (in an appropriate way) that they should and can react if a parent leaves them in the vehicle.
- Present possible ways of reacting (leaving the vehicle, opening the windows, or signaling).

Children should not be left in the vehicle even at moderately high temperatures, nor "for just a few minutes with the doors or windows open." This is an extremely important rule in protecting the health and life of our children.

Find accommodation nearby

Creation time: 08 July, 2024

Crime news desk

The crime news desk operates as an independent editorial team that deals daily with topics requiring particular seriousness, patience, and journalistic responsibility. Our articles emerge from many years of experience working with complex stories involving crime, the judiciary, security challenges, and events that shape society in its most sensitive moments. These topics are handled by people accustomed to working under pressure, verifying every piece of information, and understanding the broader picture behind each case.

Professional work in this field is not based solely on monitoring official reports or court proceedings. Behind every article stands the personal dedication of journalists who have followed the development of criminal phenomena for years, spoken with relevant sources, and sought to bring readers closer to a reality that often remains hidden behind short news pieces. The desk adheres to the principle that no story is “just news,” but a reflection of situations that affect entire communities, families, and institutions.

In our work, great attention is devoted to understanding context: how an event arises, what preceded it, what consequences it leaves behind, and why it matters to the public. That is why the texts often rely on the experience of editors who have followed criminal cases for decades, who know the course of investigations, and who understand the work of police, prosecutors, and courts. Such experience enables us to interpret events clearly and responsibly, without sensationalism, yet with enough detail to give the reader a complete picture.

The desk pays particular attention to an ethical approach to sensitive topics. Every word must be measured, every piece of information verified, and every article written with respect for the people affected by tragic or difficult situations. For this reason, our articles strive for balance: to inform without harming, to explain without prejudging, to bring the public closer to what is happening while remaining professional and dignified.

Through everything we do, we seek to maintain readers’ trust by providing clear, accurate, and credible information about events that often provoke concern and questions. Crime reporting is not just a section but a responsible journalistic discipline that requires experience, seriousness, and a deep understanding of society. Our desk is committed to this every day, convinced that quality information strengthens public safety, trust, and awareness of the realities that shape today’s world.

NOTE FOR OUR READERS
Karlobag.eu provides news, analyses and information on global events and topics of interest to readers worldwide. All published information is for informational purposes only.
We emphasize that we are not experts in scientific, medical, financial or legal fields. Therefore, before making any decisions based on the information from our portal, we recommend that you consult with qualified experts.
Karlobag.eu may contain links to external third-party sites, including affiliate links and sponsored content. If you purchase a product or service through these links, we may earn a commission. We have no control over the content or policies of these sites and assume no responsibility for their accuracy, availability or any transactions conducted through them.
If we publish information about events or ticket sales, please note that we do not sell tickets either directly or via intermediaries. Our portal solely informs readers about events and purchasing opportunities through external sales platforms. We connect readers with partners offering ticket sales services, but do not guarantee their availability, prices or purchase conditions. All ticket information is obtained from third parties and may be subject to change without prior notice. We recommend that you thoroughly check the sales conditions with the selected partner before any purchase, as the Karlobag.eu portal does not assume responsibility for transactions or ticket sale conditions.
All information on our portal is subject to change without prior notice. By using this portal, you agree to read the content at your own risk.