Children depend on their parents, caregivers, and other drivers and road users to ensure that they make it to their destinations safely. Whether that involves a quick trip to soccer practice or to school, it is essential that children are safely secured in vehicles. Seatbelts save lives. According to the CDC, 608 child passengers age 12 and under died in motor vehicle crashes in 2019. Of the children 12 and under who died in crashes for whom restraint use was known, 38 percent were not properly restrained.
In 2019, the CDC further reports that 67% of fatally injured children riding with unbelted drivers were also unrestrained. An estimated 46% of car seats and booster seats are misused, according to the CDC, and this misuse of car seats and booster seats can reduce their effectiveness. Taking the time to ensure that as the driver, you are properly restrained, and that other passengers and children are properly restrained before pulling off can be lifesaving, and parents and caregivers should be sure to do so with each drive.
A recent report made it apparent the importance of properly restraining children and other riders while in motor vehicles. Ten children survived a violent crash in Indiana after a 65-year-old driver of a pickup truck was traveling east on a road, failed to yield the right-of-way to a passenger van that was traveling north. As a result, the van crashed into the side of the truck, splitting the truck in half. There were 10 children in the van who were properly restrained and suffered minor injuries despite the severity of the crash. The children ranged from 6 months in age to 15 years old. Police believe that the driver that failed to yield may have been under the influence of alcohol at the time of the crash. Further investigations will be made.
According to the CDC, in 2019, 23% of child passenger deaths among children age 14 years and younger in the United States involved alcohol-impaired driving. It is essential for all drivers to avoid drinking and driving, to ensure that every passenger, including children, are restrained properly, and to follow traffic signs to keep everyone safe while on the road. If you, children you care for, or someone you love has been injured in a motor vehicle accident, connect with an experienced personal injury lawyer today.
Are You In Need of a Personal Injury Lawyer in Indiana
If you or someone you know has been seriously injured in an Indiana car accident, call attorney Burton A. Padove for help navigating your potential claims. Attorney Padove is committed to helping his clients get the damages they deserve and to helping clients navigate complex laws. Attorney Padove has nearly 40 years of experience in filing personal injury suits and in obtaining victories for clients. In addition to personal injury claims, Mr. Padove has extensive experience in family law. To schedule an initial consultation today, contact us at 219-836-2200. Calling is free, and we will not bill you for our representation unless we can recover compensation on your behalf.