It’s almost inconceivable to think parents are so busy that they leave their children in locked cars as hot as it has been nationwide.

One of the latest incidents came this past week in Oklahoma where a mother of a 1-year-old girl left her child in the van while she went shopping at the Owasso Walmart. Reports indicated the van was unlocked, but the child was drenched in sweat.

The child’s mother, Hannah Secondi, was charged with child neglect. She returned to the van with a cart full of groceries according to newscasts, so it stands to reason the mother was in the store for an extended period of time.

Unfortunately, this type of thing is happening all across the country. What can these parents and guardians be thinking? There is nothing more important than the health and well being of a child.

Secondi and other parents who would selfishly leave a child in a hot vehicle deserve the book thrown at them with the most severe penalties the law allows.

As illogical as it sounds, parents should put other important items — such as a cellphone or wallet — in the backseat with the child so there is a better chance the parent will retrieve the child and the important item.

The way it’s going now spells disaster for way too many children and their families. And the saddest part is that it’s a tragedy so easily prevented.