Never leave a child unattended in a vehicle with the engine running

North Bay Police Service
News Release

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Why you shouldn't leave your 6 year old and 18 month old, unattended in a vehicle with the engine running.

An off duty police officer dropped his child at daycare this morning. As he came out of the daycare building, into the parking lot, he saw a mini-van rolling toward his car with a 6 year old at the wheel. He immediately ran over and jammed it in park before it hit his own car.

The 6 year old had climbed into the front seat and managed to reach the brake and pull the column shift into drive. There was an 18-month-old baby in the back in a car seat. The officer waited for mom, the owner of the mini-van, and gave her the appropriate advice and caution before sending her on her way. Thankfully the little guy didn't hit the gas or who knows what could have happened!

Children should not be left unattended in a vehicle at any time.

Vehicles should not be left unattended while unlocked.

Vehicles should not be left unattended while the engine is running, and it could be set in motion.

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