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Child supervision

child unattended in motor vehicle

You should not leave a child unattended in a motor vehicle for any length of time. If children are trapped inside cars—especially in hot weather—they can suffer from heat exhaustion or heat stroke in a matter of minutes, leading to permanent disability or death. Heat stroke, also known as hyperthermia, can cause shock, seizures, irregular heartbeat, and heart attack, as well as brain, liver, and kidney damage. Leaving a child unattended in a car is also a form of neglectful supervision that is investigated by Child Protective Services.

In Alaska, there is no specific statute that directly addresses leaving a child unattended in a motor vehicle. However, general child neglect and endangerment laws apply. Under Alaska Statute Section 11.51.100, a person commits the crime of endangering the welfare of a child in the first degree if the person knowingly endangers the child by leaving them in a situation where the child could suffer physical injury or neglect. This could include leaving a child unattended in a car, especially under conditions that pose a risk of heatstroke or other harm. If a child is left in a car and suffers from conditions such as heat exhaustion or heat stroke, the responsible adult could face criminal charges. Additionally, such incidents are likely to trigger an investigation by Child Protective Services for neglectful supervision, which could result in further legal consequences, including the possibility of losing custody of the child.

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Child supervision

child unattended in motor vehicle

Individual & Family Legal Plan

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Alaska State Code

Alaska State Code

Child supervision

child unattended in motor vehicle

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