Dubai: UAE authorities have issued a strong warning to parents and motorists not to leave children alone in parked vehicles, especially during the scorching summer months. The warning comes after temperatures recently peaked at 51.6°C in Al Ain.
Officials emphasized that the temperature inside a parked car can rise by as much as 30°C above the outside temperature, leading to life-threatening conditions such as heatstroke, oxygen depletion, and in some cases, death within minutes.
Abu Dhabi Police highlighted that leaving children unattended in vehicles is not only dangerous but also a punishable offense under UAE law. According to Article 35 of the UAE’s Wadeema Law, violators can face jail time and/or fines up to AED 5,000. In more serious cases involving risk to life, the fine may increase to AED 10,000 along with imprisonment.
In 2024, the Abu Dhabi Early Childhood Authority (ECA) and Abu Dhabi Public Health Centre (ADPHC) released a joint safety guide focused on child protection in vehicles. The guide identifies heatstroke as a leading cause of child deaths in cars.
Authorities advise the public to follow key safety measures:
Always keep vehicles locked and keys out of children’s reach.
Ensure the car is locked when unattended to prevent children from entering.
Call 999 (police) or 998 (ambulance) if a child is found alone in a car.
Monitor the interior temperature of vehicles regularly.
Prioritize removing children from the car before unloading luggage or groceries.
The UAE government urges all residents to remain vigilant and prioritize children's safety to prevent tragic incidents.
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