This is what Grateful Looks Like
About a month ago, we were in a pretty serious car accident. Everest, Darya and I were headed to a birthday party when a driver heading in the opposite direction came around a corner too fast and drove into our lane of traffic. I was able to move over a bit, and we just narrowly avoided a head on collision. Instead, his car scraped along the length of mine, breaking the steering column and causing the side airbags to deploy. I feel many different emotions about this accident, anger, anxiety, sadness, but most of all I feel grateful that even though the car was completely totaled we all walked away.
I was buckled up in my lap and shoulder belt, leaving enough room for movement that my head hit the airbag and broke the side window. The kids? They were emotionally shaken, but physically they are completely fine. Both kids were in carseats that have a 5-point harness. Their bodies didn't move around as much as they might have in a booster with just a lap and shoulder belt. It's impossible for me to know exactly what happened in the back seat, but my best guess is that Everest's head was stopped by the side of his seat instead of hitting the window like mine did. Most kids their age (6 and 4) are already in boosters, but I've always liked the extra security that a 5-point harness gave, and now I'm really grateful that we made that decision.
Here's a video that shows the difference between what happens in an accident when a child is in a booster seat vs. a seat with a 5 point harness.
And here's my full review of the Radian 80 car seats that Everest and Darya were sitting in at the time of the crash. These car seats
When we bought these seats, I assumed we'd never really put them to the test, but the fact is that you just never know.
Related LinksAmazon: Sunshine Kids Radian80 SL Convertible Car Seat
Product Review: Radian 80 Carseats
Flying With Carseats
11 comments |
Posted on July 25, 2011 |
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Lisa Bergren on July 25, 2011 at 10:02 p.m.
Thankful you were all okay!
Amy on July 26, 2011 at 1:21 a.m.
It's terrifying how quickly your life can change if something goes wrong. I'm so pleased to hear that you were OK, but it always upsets me to hear about how lives are changed forever because of a few seconds that someone didn't concentrate.
Anne Patrone on July 26, 2011 at 8:31 a.m.
So thankful that you and the kids were all okay. I always tell my kids to buckle up even if we're just heading down the block - now I'll be doubly sure to make them stay safe.
Krista on July 26, 2011 at 10:03 a.m.
Wow, so scary. I watched someone get tagged right in front of me and the exact same scenario almost happened to me last week. I'm so thankful it didn't.
I'm curious though, my oldest is almost 50 pounds and while we have him in a Recaro car seat with the seat belt... do you know of any 5 point harnesses that go up to 50 pounds or more? This one doesn't so we have to use the seatbelt although it does have good side pieces that I'm sure would help.
Debbie on July 26, 2011 at 10:56 a.m.
@amy As angry as I've felt about the other driver crossing that double yellow line, I'm also grateful that I was fully attending to my driving at that moment. I saw him cross into my lane & was able to swerve enough that we avoided a full head on collision. Had I been handing something back to a kid, changing the radio, or any of the other things that we often do in a car, the picture could have looked entirely different.
@Anne Yep, this happened just over 3 miles from home on a street that I drive on just about every day.
@Krista we use the Radian 80, which works until 80 pounds & is great for 3-across scenarios. Here's the amazon link: http://amzn.to/oOOefA There's also a newer model Radian also works to 80 pounds and has an aluminum reinforced head rest http://amzn.to/pCoZB8 with adjustable head wings.
It's worth noting that safety experts say you should replace your carseat in a crash. Radian has a program where they will exchange your carseats for free & generally the insurance company will also pay to replace your seats.
Michelle on July 26, 2011 at 12:37 p.m.
Relieved to hear that you and your precious little ones were all okay after this.
Henry Williams on July 27, 2011 at 7:46 a.m.
You and your family are lucky to get out of that safe but it always good to be the most prepared that you can be when it comes to road safety
missionarymomma on July 27, 2011 at noon
Oh, I am so happy you all are safe. We all know it could have been different. I agree with you on the 5 part harness. We use them until our children are 8 or 9.
Overseas, though that becomes a challenge that sometimes is impossible. In those situations,where a carseat is not practical. I strap baby in an Ergo. Of course no where near as safe as a 5 point carseat but on a train for example it is safer than a a free hold.
My Traveling Troop on July 28, 2011 at 11:40 p.m.
Wow! First of all, I am so sorry to hear that you all were in a car accident! A mother's worse nightmare! But I am so happy to hear that you and your children didn't suffer any serious injuries.
On another note, I had no idea that kids can be in a 5-harness carseat until they are 80 pounds. After watching that video you posted, I am going to make sure my daughter does! So, thanks for sharing. And take care!
Kristina
Debbie on July 29, 2011 at 7:30 a.m.
@missionarymoma For travel, we sometimes use the ride safer travel vest: http://amzn.to/noouid It's easy to use when you're getting into and out of taxis (assuming there is a shoulder belt) and fits in a backpack. It's not nearly as comfortable as being in a carseat (especially in hot weather) but it's super flexible.
emili rios on July 30, 2011 at 6:50 a.m.
but it always upsets me to hear about how lives are changed forever because of a few seconds that someone didn't concentrate...im accord with this coment... sometime we have to concentrate in our child