SAN ANTONIO – Having learned four children were thrown onto Loop 410 in an overnight rollover, killing two and critically injuring the others, Jennifer Northway said it was “incredibly sad” to hear another story involving young victims who were unrestrained or improperly restrained.
Northway is the director of injury prevention for University Health System.
“This tragedy speaks to the real reason why we need the kids buckled up every trip, every time,” Northway said.
According to the hospital’s 2014 Community Trauma Report, of 189 young patients taken from vehicle crashes, seven died. Of the total number, at least 75 were not properly secured in car seats, boosters seats or with seat belts.
She said it’s also important to know, “The risk of being killed when you’re ejected is 14 times higher.”
Northway said her job is to teach confused parents and caregivers how to safely secure their children in their vehicles based on their age, height and weight.
State law requires children younger than eight years old be properly restrained.
She said this would be a good month to learn more.
Northway said National Child Passenger Safety Week will be observed September 18-24, concluding with National Seat Check Saturday from 8 to 10 a.m., by appointment only by calling 210-615-5803.
She said the events are being sponsored by UHS, the Texas Department of Transportation and the Southwest Texas Regional Advisory Council.
Mobile users click here to watch Jennifer Northway demonstrate the proper way to install car seat and discuss why they are important and why only using a seat belt is dangerous.
Northway said local, state and federal sources also are available, such as the Safe Riders program sponsored by the State Department of Health Services.
She also urged the public to call her office at 210-358-4295 for information about how to qualify for assistance.
“University Health System wants to be able to help families that can’t afford a child safety seat,” she said.