My husband and I called the cops and reported two young children in a car outside the grocery store at about 9pm one time. We almost didn't, but the car was running. It was not even stick, it was an automatic. The last time I drove an automatic I was shocked at how badly that car wanted to go without me stepping on…

Not to mention that a four year old is not a baby or toddler strapped into a car seat, unable to get up and open the door and ask for help.

Actually, a four-year-old may very well be strapped into a car seat (though they might be able to disengage themselves, they are probably discouraged from doing so). And, you don't know anything about that kid from the outside of the car. Maybe they have special needs. Maybe they are non-verbal. Maybe they don't have…

Most of us were lucky I guess, but we didn't all survive. Kids die every year because they are left alone in the car. Why on earth would we not try to prevent the death of a child? I don't think potential inconvenience is a good reason

I feel much worse for those who forget than those who intentionally leave their small children. None of us can predict how hot or cold a car will get in the few minutes we leave it. Where would the distinction lie? Best to just do your damn job and take your kids with you. And yes, I have two small kids (5 and 2.5). I…

Did you not read how quickly the temperature can rise in a car in the sun? Even on days when the temperatures are relatively low?

Hah, don't remember calling myself mother of the year. We all make mistakes, I have made my share.

When she wrote "The kid was fine, but Brooks wasn't," I thought I was about to read how when she went into the store she collapsed in what would be her first episode of ___ condition, and was rushed to the hospital without being able to tell people she had a kid in the car. Or something. Which I guess would be a very,…

If the air conditioner is on, then the car is on. If the car is on with only kids in the car (one of which is a curious preschooler), you're just one gear shift away from an accident. You've created an entirely different set of problems for everyone around you. I award you no sympathy points, and may Dog have mercy on…

In general yes, but in areas with extreme climates, it's worth reporting "kid alone in car." It can get deadly surprisingly fast once temps are in the 80's/90's.

FWIW, the Shanesha Taylor case took place in Phoenix. Car temps rise dramatically there, and it's absolutely common sense to call the cops if you see a kid alone in a car. It gets deadly quick.

I come from a big family and I'm that Aunt that all the kids want to go with on my errands. As tempting as it is, when they are bratty, sleepy, fast asleep or sick, I have never left them in the car. Is it annoying and inconvenient? Yes. Do I have peace of mind knowing that they are safer with me? Yes. It's your…

Amazed by how many people are defending this and saying it's no big deal. Don't fucking have kids if you can't be bothered to unload/load your kid for a five-minute task. I have two kids and work full-time and have to make sometimes 3-4 stops after work. It's exhausting getting them in and out, especially the 3 year…

I'm not sure talking about the dangers of leaving your children in the car counts as fear-mongering. I would say this article is more a poor way of getting that point across. She should have either written about Weingarten's piece (which is phenomenal and deserves to be read) or written about Brooks. Combining the…

People leave their kids alone and don't get charged even if no harm comes to the child because no one knows the kid was ever left alone. Right? I mean, if I leave my kid at home and run out to the store, come home and all is well, who would know? Ergo, no charges of child endangerment.

I agree with you partially, but I think the point was that no one plans to forget their child in a car, so don't allow yourself the opportunity to.

Kim Brooks made a bunch of bad decisions that day. Look, I never used a drive thru until I had a baby. I used to think they were useless and border-line criminal until I was the person who wanted a coffee and had a kid in the car seat. Suddenly, drive-thrus were proof of the genius of humanity.

I don't think I said it in a way that was rude. I mean, it's their job as writers to make sure this doesn't happen. It makes the site look unprofessional.

Gentle — but important — correction on the Tracey Morgan blurb: the truck driver apparently fell ASLEEP at the wheel (as opposed to fell at the wheel).

" He fell at the wheel?"