Police warning: Don’t leave children in cars as temperatures soar

Abu Dhabi: Abu Dhabi Police have issued an urgent warning to families and motorists not to leave children unattended in vehicles, as the UAE grapples with extreme heat.

The alert comes as daytime highs are forecasted to range between 45°C and 48°C, with some areas potentially hitting a blistering 50°C.

On Saturday, the UAE recorded its highest-ever May temperature, an unprecedented 51.6°C in Al Ain, Abu Dhabi, according to the National Centre of Meteorology (NCM). This breaks the previous May record of 50.2°C set in 2009, marking the hottest temperature in May since records began in 2003.

Warning

Police stressed that leaving children alone in locked vehicles can lead to rapid oxygen depletion, heatstroke, and even death within minutes. They warned that children may also accidentally lock themselves in or tamper with the gear, risking further danger.

“Exposing a child’s life to danger is a criminal offense,” authorities stated, adding that legal action will be taken against anyone found negligent in such cases.

They urged the public to remain vigilant and prioritise child safety, especially during this record-breaking summer heat.

Criminal offence

The police clarified that endangering a child’s life is a criminal offence punishable by law, as children are often unaware of the dangers surrounding them due to their limited understanding.

Abu Dhabi Police warned that any proven case of negligence in such circumstances will be referred to the judicial authorities for appropriate legal action.

 As part of the same campaign, Abu Dhabi Police warned against the recurrence of such tragic incidents, which are often the result of neglect or inattention by some parents. T

The police confirmed that forgetting a child inside a vehicle constitutes a Tcrime, with penalties including imprisonment or a fine of no less than Dh 5,000 for the parent or guardian responsible for the negligence, in accordance with the Child Rights Law (Wadeema Law).

The law imposes strict penalties for negligence that puts a child’s life or safety at risk, including leaving a child unattended in a vehicle. Additional legal consequences may apply if such neglect results in the child’s death.