How Should System Respond to Parents Who Leave Kids in Cars?

The AP analyzed 300-some child deaths in hot cars in the last 10 years. Sometimes caregivers are charged, sometimes not. When they are prosecuted sentences vary. Mother are more often charged than fathers and, when convicted, their sentences average two years longer. Sentences vary when kids die in hot cars, Seattle Times, July 28, 2007.

An increase in these car deaths has coincided with the new rules that kids' car seats should be put in the back because of airbags. With the child out of sight, it's easier for a distracted parent to forget the child is there.