What are the precautions needed to ensure children’s safety in car accidents? All the parents out there, whether they have an infant or a toddler need to read this.
Angela Brown, mother of two daughters took to Facebook where she told people about a near-fatal accident she had with her daughters in February 2016. She was in her car, heading home after a dentists appointment with her daughters, aged one and two at that time. Her car hit a tree and overturned, blocking the way out. By the time they were rescued, Brown found out that while her little girl only took a small bruise, the elder one was injured badly. The doctors told Brown that she had fractured two spinal vertebrates, and injured a ligament in the third. It was miraculous that she had survived although she became the youngest to be fitted with Halo Brace. It was a soul-shattering experience for them.
She had put her younger daughter in a rear-facing car seat, and the elder one in a forward-facing car seat. Such a small precaution made a difference, so they shared the lesson learned on Facebook to save other parents the pain of having a sick or injured child.
- Read more about child car seat safety laws in GA
Although Brown’s daughter stayed strong during the recovery period, the road was not an easy one. The child went through a lot of pain, fear, and desperation, and her parents had to feel a similar sort of anguish.
What Do the Experts Suggest?
What we have been told is that children’s car seats should be facing the rear of the car rather than the front. According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, they should be seated like that for as long as the seat fits them because it is the safest position and it provides maximum cushioning and protection if the car is in an accident.
Apart from turning your child too early to face the front, parents also make mistakes while installing the car seat. It might not be in the right place, a buckle might be lost, or anything that can cause harm while in an accident.
Child Passenger Safety Technicians take a free look at your car to see if the seat is correctly installed and it is better to get help from there. You could check in at your local police or fire station and call a safety technician for your aid.
Another step you need to take is to make sure that your children are tucked in safely. This includes dressing them in clothes that are proper and safe, especially in winter. While a big bear jacket may not be so protective, try using a fleece suit and a blanket for covering your child.
Take the Right Precautions to Keep Your Children Safe
Finally, better be safe than sorry! Angela Brown left a message for us that is no doubt a strong one. She said that she, like many of us, did not know if her child was big enough to turn around and face the front. But now she would keep her children facing the back for as long as possible. “Don’t go on the same line, and take the necessary precaution. You could lose your baby,” Brown said.
Brown’s post was shared over 15,000 times, and she might have helped save just as many lives. Let’s hope Brown and her daughters make it through the tough times and this accident always reminds us of what we need to do to keep our children safe.
Source: https://www.simplemost.com/how-long-car-seat-should-be-rear-facing/
