New York state would make it illegal to leave a child younger than 8 in a vehicle alone under legislation that has won passage in the state Senate

 

ALBANY, New York — The New York State Senate Monday passed legislation to prohibit children under the age of eight from being left in cars without supervision. The bill (S241), sponsored by Senator Jack Martins (R-C-I, Mineola), would help keep young children safe from life-threatening conditions that can occur in cars during warmer and cooler weather conditions.

Senator Martins said, “Cars should not be used as babysitters. Leaving a young child inside an unattended vehicle is irresponsible, dangerous, and in some circumstances can lead to tragedy in a matter of minutes. Implementing this measure would create a new deterrent and reinforce the dangers of leaving young children alone in cars. The Assembly should join the Senate in approving this important legislation.”

Between 1991 and 2014, over 700 children have died of heat stroke from being left in cars. Studies show that when outside temperatures range from 72 to 96 degrees Fahrenheit, the temperature inside a vehicle can rise approximately 19 degrees in the first 10 minutes, 29 degrees after 20 minutes, and 34 degrees after 30 minutes.

The bill will be sent to the Assembly.

Author: Harlem Valley News