Why It’s Time For Boise Drivers To Drive With One Shoe On

No matter how you look at it, the summer heat can be brutal. Sure, you could be "used to it", but even those who are the most conditioned to handle hot weather can have a tough time. If you're not careful, the triple-digit heat can be fatal.

This heat is no joke... especially in your parked car

It doesn't take a rocket scientist to figure out that being outside in this heat for a prolonged period of time can be dangerous. That being said, there are still people who seem to forget how hot the inside of a car can get during a heatwave.

According to the City of Boise, "the inside of a car heats up fast even with the windows cracked. When it’s 75 outside, it can reach up to 94 degrees inside a car within ten short minutes, and 109 degrees in 30 minutes."

That's when it's 75 degrees. But what about when temperatures reach triple-digits like what we're experiencing in the Treasure Valley? According to Arizona State University, the temperature inside a vehicle sitting in 100-degree weather for an hour can reach up to 116 degrees.

So, why should we drive with one shoe on?

Honestly, we've looked everywhere for the origins of this "life hack" but it's difficult to track down. Doing one simple Google search of "leave a shoe in the back seat" will show countless explanations but it's simple: you leave your left shoe in the back seat to remind you about the human passenger in your backseat.

Now, look - we get it. There are a lot of distractions happening and things going on around us, but is it that bad? We're not here to pick on anyone with a foggy mind or any conditions that would require such a dramatic reminder for your baby, but doesn't this seem a little unnecessary? Aren't there other things you can do? You know, like look in the rearview mirror?

Hey, at the end of the day - if it keeps kids safer, we're all about it... but what happens if an officer catches you leaving your kid in a car on a hot day?

You could face a serious punishment

According to a post from Boise police, you don't want to chance getting caught leaving your kid in the car. If you do, you could be facing child endangerment charges:

Charges of Felony Injury to a Child may be filed against anyone who leaves a child in a car and the child is injured. Misdemeanor Injury to a Child charges may result if the child is left in a vehicle but not hurt.

You know what? Leaving a shoe in the back seat suddenly doesn't sound like a bad idea.