The Dangers of Leaving Children Unattended in Motor Vehicles by Justine Rodriguez - City News Group, Inc.

Community Calendar

◄ MARCH ►
S M T W T F S
01 02 03 04 05 06 07
08 09 10 11 12 13 14
15 16 17 18 19 20 21
22 23 24 25 26 27 28
29 30 31 01 02 03 04
View Events
Submit Events

The Dangers of Leaving Children Unattended in Motor Vehicles

By Justine Rodriguez , Community Writer
August 11, 2014 at 12:02pm. Views: 48

Arrowhead Regional Medical Center (ARMC) is conducting a Purple Ribbon Campaign during August to help raise awareness about the dangers of leaving children unattended in cars. The campaign will display purple ribbons, fliers, signs and posters inside and outside of the Medical Center. Purple Ribbon Month is held each year in memory of children who have lost their lives because of vehicular heatstroke. “I was a nursing student and had just left class when a mother in distress approached me and urged me to break her car window to get her infant, who had accidentally been locked in the car,” said ARMC Trauma Coordinator, Richard Vara. “We got her child out in time. I reacted as a concerned parent, and I hope that other people would do the same when they see children who are left in cars.” As of July 2014, at least 19 U.S. children have died because of vehicular heatstroke, according to Kids And Cars, a non-profit child safety organization dedicated to preventing injuries and death to children in or around motor vehicles. Last year, 44 children died of vehicular heatstroke in the U.S. “Heatstroke-related injuries and deaths are preventable,” said Vara. “It is important to be vigilant about checking inside your vehicle before locking up and walking away.” A child’s body temperature can rise up to five times faster than an adult’s. Leaving the car windows partially down does not significantly slow the heating process in the vehicle. Reduce the number of deaths from heatstroke by remembering to ACT: • Avoid heatstroke-related injury and death by never leaving your child alone in a car. Keep your car locked when you are not in it so children do not get in the car on their own. • Create reminders by putting something in the back of your car next to your child such as a briefcase, a purse or a cell phone that is needed at your final destination. This is especially important if you’re not following your normal routine. • Take action. If you see a child alone in a car, call 911. Emergency personnel want you to call. They are trained to respond to these situations. One call could save a life. California state law makes it illegal to leave a child 6 years of age or younger unattended inside a motor vehicle without the supervision of someone who is at least 12 years old.

Related Articles

Rancho Family Medical Group Strengthens Community Care With Moreno Valley Expansion
Photo Courtesy of: City of Moreno Valley

By Ruby Stephenson, Contributing Writer

March 17, 2026 at 05:26pm. Views: 743

A modern storefront shows Rancho Family Medical Group’s new clinic, with signs reading “Primary Care Coming Soon” above glass doors decorated with blue and white balloons. Rancho Family Medical Group’s newest clinic is at The District, on Hemlock Avenue.

Redlands East Valley HS Athlete of the Week: Brayden Dismang
Photo Courtesy of: TME Photography by Titan Mom Elvira

By Titan Mom Elvira, Community Writer

March 17, 2026 at 04:36pm. Views: 644

17 years old, Brayden Dismang this weeks Athlete of the Week for Redlands East Valley HS is already making a strong impression both in the classroom and on the baseball field. A Junior maintains an impressive 3.9 grade point average while balancing the demands of academics, athletics, and work.

GTHS Athlete of the Week: Lucas Palos
Photo Courtesy of: TME Photography by Titan Mom Elvira

By Titan Mom Elvira, Community Writer

March 17, 2026 at 04:08pm. Views: 693

Lucas Palos is 17 years old and currently a Senior at Grand Terrace High School. Lucas has earned Principal’s Honor Roll twice, helped lead his teams to league championships in both baseball and football, And is this weeks Athlete of the week.

FARSB STRENGTHENS COMMUNITY HEALTH THROUGH “FOOD AS MEDICINE” PARTNERSHIP
Photo Courtesy of: Feeding America® Riverside | San Bernardino (FARSB)

By Rachel Bonilla, Community Writer

March 17, 2026 at 05:04pm. Views: 1074

FARSB, Anthem Blue Cross Foundation and Feeding America highlight how nutritious food supports better health during National Nutrition Month®

A US Town Where Residents Live Significantly Longer
Photo Courtesy of: Mayor Phill Dupper

By Eric Montgomery, Community Writer

March 17, 2026 at 05:05pm. Views: 917

Beautiful view of Loma Linda California.

Dog Park Closure Announced in Grand Terrace for Maintenance Work
Photo Courtesy of: Designed by Freepik

By Eric Montgomery, Community Writer

March 17, 2026 at 05:05pm. Views: 611

The Grand Terrace Dog Park will be closed from March 18, 2026, through April 22, 2026. During the closure period, residents are encouraged to seek alternative locations for outdoor pet activities.

You're Invited: Loveland Church Celebrates Easter Sunday
Photo Courtesy of: Carl M. Dameron

By Carl M. Dameron, Contributing Writer

March 17, 2026 at 05:05pm. Views: 662

Rev. Chuck Singleton, senior pastor at Loveland Church, at the Third Annual Reparations Summit held at Loveland Church.  Easter service at Loveland Church is called “Celebrate the Light Of The World!” in Fontana, Santa Monica, and Victorville, and will be on Sunday, April 5. 6:00 am Sonrise service, 7:30 am, and 10:30 am, live at LovelandChurch.org.

Moreno Valley Dealership Hits the Gas on Growth with Major Service Center Expansion
Photo Courtesy of: City of Moreno Valley

By Brian Mohan, Community Writer

March 17, 2026 at 05:05pm. Views: 844

On Thursday, March 12, Mayor Cabrera and members of the City Council attended a ribbon-cutting ceremony at Car Pros Kia Moreno Valley, which completed a $2.25 million expansion of its service center doubling its service capacity and further strengthening the dealership’s role as one of the top-performing Kia retailers in the nation.

Hot Weather Ahead: Safety Tips
Photo Courtesy of: Designed by Freepik

By San Bernardino County, Community Writer

March 17, 2026 at 05:05pm. Views: 654

A woman stands in the kitchen smiling, while she holds a glass of water.

6 People Hospitalized After Disastrous Single-Vehicle Crash on State Route 60 and Nason Street
Photo Courtesy of: ONSCENE.TV

By Eric Montgomery, Community Writer

March 17, 2026 at 05:05pm. Views: 437

At approximately 10:15pm on March 8th, 2026, California Highway Patrol officers and Cal Fire Riverside County crews responded to a reported solo vehicle rollover crash on eastbound State Route 60 east of Nason Street in Moreno Valley.

4th Grader Becomes Dual Enrolled College Student at San Bernardino Valley College
Photo Courtesy of: KTLA5

By Eric Montgomery, Community Writer

March 17, 2026 at 05:05pm. Views: 520

Honey Cooper is pictured reading at Kimbark Elementary School in San Bernardino, California.

OSRX, Inc. Announces Sponsorship of Rising Inland Empire Motorsports Prodigy Truly Adams
Photo Courtesy of: Truly Adams

By Justus Baker-Postell, Community Writer

March 17, 2026 at 05:05pm. Views: 654

Truly "The Truth" Adams official sponsorship annoucement with OSRX.

--> -->