‘Hot car’ laws: Are El Pasoans protected?

The Borderland is taking a break from triple-digit temperatures, but conditions are still dangerous enough to become deadly if a child or pet are left in a hot car.

Temperatures inside a car can increase more than 20 degrees in only ten minutes, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. With an outside temperature of 60 degrees, the temperature inside a car can reach 110 degrees.

The El Paso Police Department advised to always call 911 first if a child or a pet are in a hot car.

Even with that reminder, some people may take matter into their own hands by breaking a car window to help rescue that child or pet.

EPPD told ABC-7 there are no clear laws that protects someone who decides to break a car window, but every case has a “unique set of circumstances and appropriate actions,” said spokesman Enrique Carrillo in statement.

A person can be sued for the cost of damage if they decide to break a window, but it’s up to the court whether or not to accept the suit.

Carrillo said several factors would be taken into consideration like malice, criminal intent or whether or not the actions were necessary to prevent harm.

ABC-7 was also referred to the state’s Good Samaritan Law, it states that “if an individual voluntarily and in good faith attempts to provide medical assistance to another individual involved in an emergency situation, he or she will not be held civilly liable for any damages.”

It goes to state, “the Texas Good Samaritan Law has been revised many times, so it is important that individuals who are seeking protection under it be familiar with the most recent rendition, as well as the law that applied at the time when such aid was administered.”

The City of El Paso Animal Services Department told ABC-7 last year that an officer can break a window or call a locksmith at the owner’s expense if a pet or child are found inside a vehicle.

The El Paso County Sheriff’s Office purchased a 3-inch tool for all deputies that helps them in case of emergency.

“We purchased the devices that the officers carry on their keychains that will allow them to immediately break the window of a vehicle, so we can provide assistance to that animal or a child as quickly as possible,” Sheriff Richard Wiles said.

“In these kinds of situations where people are inside cars in the summertime, it could just be seconds that are the difference between life and death.”

Leaving a pet or child in a hot car, can lead to criminal charges.