Answer Seems Obvious, But I Still Have To Ask
@LilyoftheThorns (12918)
United States
March 7, 2011 8:39pm CST
So a while ago I had a dream that really really upset me, even though nothing technically bad happened in it.
In my dream I saw a man driving on the highway with a baby (we're talking under a year old) in his lap. His window was down, and at one point the baby was on his shoulder, hanging out the window! I was driving next to this man and I was FREAKING OUT. I tried calling my mom and anyone I knew to ask them if I could call the cops on this guy for what he was doing. But I couldn't get hold of anyone, and I was panicking because I didn't know what to do.
Of course, here's my question that I think I already know the answer to. If I did see someone driving with a baby (or toddler) in their lap (unbuckled or buckled) is that a reason to immediately call 911 and get a cop to pull them over?? That would be a case of child endangerment right? And I'm talking about on any street, from a 25 mph street, to a 40 mph street, to a 65 mph highway.
Thanks for your input!!!
2 people like this
9 responses
@LilyoftheThorns (12918)
• United States
8 Mar 11
I would love to call the cops on everything that bothers me with other drivers (especially the idiots that same to LOVE to tailgate me) but 911 is for more dire things and I don't want to plug up their lines for something like that.
However, a child in danger is NOT okay, and that is an emergency to me. Here's how I see it going down if I ever saw a child in a drivers lap...
I would follow them, call 911, let the dispatcher know where we are, where we are driving, the car they are driving, and I would follow them until they were pulled over.
That's how I see a situation like that going down. I think that would be the right way to do it, sound good to you? And then another question that arises is, do I pull over also and wait to talk to the cop, or do I just go on like it never happened?
Thanks Elic!
1 person likes this
@ElicBxn (63252)
• United States
8 Mar 11
I've never actually followed pass getting the plate number and what direction they were headed, well, I take that back, I did TRY to follow one, and actually did find the car, because it was the only one without frost on it in the apartment complex and the police did call me and tell me that they had found out where he lived and informed him that he was seen speeding on a narrow residential street and if he were to do it again, and get reported, he would be arrested
He was easily doing 50 on a 25 mile an hour street - granted it was 2 a.m. but the street wasn't really wide enough for all the cars parked on both sides and 2 way traffic!
@LilyoftheThorns (12918)
• United States
8 Mar 11
I'm all for getting a license plate down and reporting it to the authorities. I actually didn't know until recently that that was even an option. I didn't know they could do anything about it if the situation had already passed.
But the only reason I see myself following someone is IF a child was in danger. Oh heck...if an adult was in danger and I knew it I would probably follow them too. That way I wouldn't be afraid of the police not finding them and I could actually see them getting pulled over with my own eyes. I guess I could ask the 911 operator I talk to whether or not I need to stop and talk to the cop too, or if they would follow up with me later.
1 person likes this
@MsTickle (25180)
• Australia
15 Mar 11
I hope all the respondents are realising they should stop their vehicle before making that call to 911. It's illegal to have a hand held mobile phone while driving over here. It might be difficult to follow someone AND stop to make the call. For sure though, get the make amnd model of the car, the licence number and report the guy.
@LilyoftheThorns (12918)
• United States
15 Mar 11
It's not illegal here in Az to talk on a cell phone and drive. It is illegal to TEXT and drive though, which I totally agree with.
@carmelanirel (20942)
• United States
8 Mar 11
I would say yes and I believe I have heard news report where someone had contacted the police for something like that. Even though the child at the time is not injured, the possibility does warrant an emergency call to 911...
@LilyoftheThorns (12918)
• United States
9 Mar 11
That's good to know that it has happened before, and that the news reported calling 911 was the right decision. Now I know for sure! I don't have to worry about my dream ever happening! Haha! Thanks!
1 person likes this
@bounce58 (17387)
• Canada
11 Mar 11
First off, make sure it isn't Britney Spears driving!
Yes, I believe that seeing something like that would merit a 911 call. I think it is very irresponsible of the parent, and very dangerous for the child baby.
I grew up at a time where regulations like this was not enforced. I could still remember sitting on my dad's lap as he drove the car for quick drives.
But now, we know better.
@LilyoftheThorns (12918)
• United States
11 Mar 11
Lol! Well I don't know why Brittney spears would be driving, but I guess she thinks it's okay to drive dangerously huh?
It's good to know 100% now that 911 is the right choice! I feel a lot less nervous about it!!!
Thank you!
@kingparker (9673)
• United States
8 Mar 11
You might if you feel any danger to the baby. Any then, you have to be a witness to this case, and you have to answer it. I don't mean that you shouldn't, everyone should to protect a life away from danger right? Maybe you should honk the man first, if he ignore your warning. Then you should call the force.
@LilyoftheThorns (12918)
• United States
9 Mar 11
I wouldn't want to do anything to alert him to any trouble coming his way (I mean cops) and 'right his wrong' before anyone else could see the danger he put the child in. I would just follow them and call the cops. Being a witness in the case wouldn't be a problem to me, and it wouldn't lower the likelihood that I would report him.
Thanks!
@warnersista (5)
• United States
8 Mar 11
Um...YES AND DOUBLE YES!!! The worse thing a parent can do in any state is endanger their child. If I saw this, the cops would def be called. Its a matter of doing the right thing, and if the parent is not going to do anything in behalf of their child, then I would hope a honest stranger would step in to protect that child.
@LilyoftheThorns (12918)
• United States
9 Mar 11
I definitely would protect a child from any kind of danger being presented to them. People talk about women having 'maternal instinct' when it comes to protecting their children...well I don't have kids and don't plan on it either...but I think I still have that instinct when it comes to ALL children. I would put myself in any line of danger if it meant protecting a child. And now it's nice to know 100% that 911 is the correct way to go with this situation!
Thanks!
@cream97 (29087)
• United States
15 Mar 11
Hi. LilyoftheThorns. Yes, I would call the police. I would not hesitate at all on this. I would not let this slide so quickly. This man would know one thing or two. I am glad that this was only a dream and not for real!
If it was, this father is really a poor excuse for a father! I have had many crazy dreams that was awful too. They seemed so real and when I woke up, I was very glad that it was not real.
If it was, this father is really a poor excuse for a father! I have had many crazy dreams that was awful too. They seemed so real and when I woke up, I was very glad that it was not real.
@maryjane41 (90)
• Abbeville, Mississippi
8 Mar 11
i would most likely call 911 for that reason. or the nonemergance number and let some one know what is going on and where it is at. because you never know what could happen and you could save that childs life.
@madp_071983 (228)
• Oman
8 Mar 11
Yes, you indeed must! After all, children must never occupy any front seat neither on any of the front passenger's laps. They must always be at the rear seat well buckled and safety-looked.
