A mother from Virginia is sharing her harrowing experience to raise awareness about seatbelt safety for children. After a terrifying incident involving her 6-year-old daughter, Mia, she hopes others will learn from their mistakes.
Mia is currently recovering well at home after spending weeks in the hospital following a serious car accident. The accident occurred when Mia and her dad were driving home from a county fair and crashed into a tree. Tragically, Mia was not in a booster seat because her mother, Lisa, mistakenly believed she had outgrown it. To make matters worse, Mia had moved the shoulder portion of the seatbelt behind her back, a common behavior among children.
Lisa recounted the panic she felt when she received the call about Mia’s injuries. “It was agonizing. They told me she had sustained head and abdominal injuries and was undergoing surgery. I couldn’t think of anything else during those long hours,” she shared in an interview with local news outlet WBTV.
Fortunately, Mia survived, but the injuries were severe. The doctors explained that the edge of the seatbelt had cut through her abdomen, leading to serious internal damage. The medical team described Mia’s injuries as consistent with “seatbelt syndrome,” a term that refers to the range of injuries caused when a child is not properly restrained. These injuries can include spinal, abdominal, and head traumas, especially when the lap portion of the seatbelt is the only part being used.
Now back at home, Mia is healing, but Lisa emphasizes the importance of understanding how child safety seats work. “Many parents think that when their child no longer fits comfortably in a booster seat, it’s time to remove them. That couldn’t be further from the truth,” Lisa cautioned.
Experts agree with her insights. Alisa Baer from The Car Seat Lady explains that harness straps must fit snugly, and children should remain in their car seats until they meet specific height and weight requirements. “Just because your child has outgrown a seat doesn’t mean they are ready for a booster,” she advised.
Another critical point is the danger of moving the shoulder strap behind the back. Baer noted that this action can significantly increase the risk of abdominal injuries and spinal damage during a crash. “When the shoulder belt is not in place, the lap belt can slide up and cause devastating injuries to the abdomen,” she explained.
Lisa spent countless nights at Mia’s hospital bedside, grappling with the knowledge that the accident was preventable. “In a split second, everything can change. I’ll always feel that guilt for not doing better,” she reflected.
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In summary, Lisa’s experience serves as a crucial reminder for all parents about the importance of proper seatbelt usage for children. It’s essential to stay informed and ensure that little ones are safely secured in their car seats to prevent potentially life-threatening injuries.