Police Warn: Do Not Leave Children or Animals in Cars
A car's interior can reach 40 degrees in just 10 minutes in the sun, and aerosol cans can burst and become dangerous
A car's interior can reach 40 degrees in just 10 minutes in the sun, and aerosol cans can burst and become dangerous
The high temperatures currently affecting Croatia have prompted additional warnings from authorities. On Sunday, August 2, 2026, the police appealed to parents and guardians not to leave children alone in vehicles for even a moment, emphasizing that the interior of a car parked in the sun quickly becomes life-threatening.
According to the Zadar Daily, the temperature inside a closed car can reach 40 degrees Celsius within just ten minutes. Children are particularly at risk, as their bodies are less efficient at regulating body temperature than adults. Their body temperature rises much faster, which can lead to dehydration, serious health issues, and even fatal outcomes.
The police stress that leaving a child unattended in a closed vehicle is a serious violation of children's rights. If severe consequences result from such actions, the responsible person may face criminal charges. For the more serious form of this offense, the law prescribes a prison sentence of one to 15 years.
The police also warn about situations where parents or guardians do not intentionally leave a child in the car but simply forget them. Such situations can arise due to stress, exhaustion, or changes in routine. To prevent tragedies, experts advise increased awareness when entering and exiting the vehicle, avoiding autopilot behavior, and placing personal items in the back seat to ensure a mandatory glance toward the rear of the car before leaving.
The danger during extreme heat does not only threaten children. According to information from the Zadar Daily, the police warn that citizens and tourists often forget animals in cars, especially in shopping center parking lots and other locations with long-term parking. For animals, a hot car in high temperatures can be a deadly trap, so all drivers are urged never to leave pets in the vehicle during the summer, even for a short time.
On the same day, Dnevno.hr also reported a warning about another danger lurking in cars in the heat. During the summer months, extra caution is needed with aerosol cans, such as deodorants, hairspray, dry shampoo, air fresheners, insect repellents, or sunscreen sprays. These are pressurized containers that can deform, leak, or in the worst case, explode under the influence of heat, posing a significant risk to passengers and the vehicle.
