BAKERSFIELD, Calif. -- In our fast paced society, saving even a second may sound appealing. Have you ever left a child alone in a car for “just a second” while you ran in to drop off dry cleaning or a video, to pick up a package or a gallon of milk? Many people have done it, but in that second a tragedy can occur.

Have you ever thought of how long it will take in a hospital emergency room - hours; planning a child’s funeral - days; recovering from the loss of your child - a lifetime!

Studies have shown that within 20 minutes the air temperature in a previously air-conditioned small car exposed to the sun on a 95° F day exceeded 122° F inside. Within 40 minutes the temperature soared to 150° F. Leaving a window slightly opened or cracked did little to prevent the temperature from rising to a level that is dangerous for children, vulnerable adults and pets.

Since 1996 at least 382 children in the U.S. have died in hot, parked cars, 42 of those were from last year alone. So far in 2009, there have been 61 incidents of children in the United States being left unattended in or around cars involving 87 children resulting in 8 fatalities.

On October 12, 2001, California Governor Gray Davis signed SB255, the Unattended Child in Motor Vehicle Safety Act. The law will be known and cited as “Kaitlyn’s Law” and became effective January 1, 2002.

“Kaitlyn’s Law” makes it an infraction, punishable by a fine of $100 for any parent, legal guardian, or other person responsible for a child 6 years of age or younger, to leave that child unattended in a motor vehicle without the supervision of someone at least 12 years of age or older.

On August 15, 2000, Kaitlyn Russell, 6 months old, was left by her babysitter in a closed car in 100 degree heat for several hours. Rescue workers say she died within the first half hour. Kaitlyn’s mother, Tammy Russell, worked with her own mother to establish 4 R Kids Sake, an organization devoted to raising awareness of the dangers of leaving children unattended. They have worked tirelessly with the California State Legislature to develop Kaitlyn’s Law with the hope that this tragedy will never happen again. Contact the “4 R Kids’ Sake” Web site at www.4rkidssake.org to receive information about this law.

Information provided by the Bakersfield Police Department