Each year, several deaths occur when children are left unattended in vehicles. This should be declared a case of neglect, at the least. Some states have loopholes which make it easier for parents and guardians of small children to abandon their duties as protector of their wards (example: Washington state only deems it illegal to leave a child unattended in a vehicle, if it is left with the engine running). To avoid any loopholes, make it a federal misdemeanor if a child is found unattended in a vehicle, or a felony if action causes child harm or death. Also creating signage for places of business to post in parking lots, with phone number to call if unattended children are witnessed, would make people more aware of the issue and more ready to report it for the welfare of the child(ren).
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