A Moment of Forgetfulness Can Turn Tragic

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By Cheryl Owens

Mississippi Spirit

How can someone forget their own child?

It’s a question many people ask whenever they hear a news report about a child left in a hot vehicle. Most parents and caregivers believe it could never happen to them. The truth is, experts say that mindset may be one of the biggest dangers of all.

As temperatures rise across Mississippi and families settle into summer routines, safety advocates are once again reminding parents and caregivers about the dangers of leaving children unattended in vehicles — even for a few minutes.

According to safety advocates at Kids and Car Safety, many of these tragedies happen to loving, responsible parents who never imagined they could forget a child in the back seat.

“The worst thing any parent or caregiver can do is think that this could never happen to them,” said Janette Fennell, founder and president of Kids and Car Safety. “This can and does happen to attentive, caring parents. No one is immune.”

Experts say these incidents often occur when a parent’s normal routine changes, stress levels are high, or the brain goes into “autopilot” mode. Researchers have referred to the phenomenon as Forgotten Baby Syndrome, a term used to describe how a parent or caregiver can unintentionally leave a child in a vehicle without realizing it.

“We are talking about college professors, doctors, nurses, teachers, police officers and everyday moms and dads,” Fennell said. “It doesn’t have anything to do with being a good or bad parent. It has to do with the way our brains work and how memory can fail.”

Safety advocates encourage parents to develop habits that help prevent these tragedies. One of the most effective reminders is adopting a “Look Before You Lock” routine by checking the back seat every time you leave your vehicle.

Parents can also place a purse, briefcase, cellphone, employee identification badge or another necessary item in the back seat to create a reminder to check before walking away.

Child care providers can play an important role as well. Experts recommend establishing a policy that requires a phone call whenever a child is expected but does not arrive.

“If they don’t have your child and they haven’t heard from you, they should call,” Fennell said. “That simple phone call has the potential to save a life.”

Safety officials also remind parents never to leave children unattended in a vehicle while running errands, paying for gas or making quick stops. Vehicles should remain locked when not in use, even when parked at home.

While heatstroke remains a major concern, safety advocates warn that leaving children unattended in vehicles creates other dangers as well.

According to records compiled by child safety advocates, in Mississippi alone there were 29 cases in 2024 involving children who were left unattended in vehicles that were later stolen. Those incidents have occurred in communities across the state, including Hinds, Rankin, DeSoto, Lauderdale, Pearl River, Perry, George and Jackson counties. While most of the children were recovered safely, one 6-year-old child died in Hinds County in 2017 after being left in a vehicle that was stolen. Safety experts say these cases serve as another reminder that children should never be left alone in a vehicle, even for what seems like a quick errand.

If you see a child alone in a vehicle, call 911 immediately. If the child appears distressed, overheated or in danger, take action to get the child out and seek emergency medical assistance.

As summer temperatures climb, the message remains simple: a few extra seconds spent checking the back seat could save a child’s life.

For more information visit www.KidsandCars.org.