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                         Roanoke Times
                 Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.

DATE: FRIDAY, April 9, 1993                   TAG: 9304120249
SECTION: EDITORIAL                    PAGE: A-10   EDITION: METRO 
SOURCE: 
DATELINE:                                 LENGTH: Short

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DON'T LEAVE KIDS ALONE IN THE CAR

RECENTLY there was a child left alone in a car at a local shopping mall. She appeared to be about 4 years old. I watched for awhile but didn't know what to do. Later, at home, I called the Child Abuse Hotline, and the person agreed that a 4-year-old is too young to be left alone in a car. It was suggested that if anyone observes such a situation, they should get the license number of the car, a description of the car and driver, and give the information to them at the Hotline. They will follow up on the report. I wish I had thought to do that. Was she your child?

As the mother of a 4-year-old daughter, I realize that sometimes children can be pokey. However, would the couple of minutes you saved be worth the risk of coming out of the store and seeing that car empty? Kidnapping aside, suppose she got scared and went to look for you? Does a 4-year-old even know how to cross the parking lot safely to enter the store? Mine doesn't!

If you came out of the store to an empty car, wouldn't that just ruin your day? DEBI BOURNE ROANOKE

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