Never more thankful for child safety seats

Kristen's two little girls were in their child safety seats in the back seat when the car was hit.

 

By Kirsten Byrd

 It was a normal, beautiful day in August 2015. We had just gone shopping in Winfield and were on our way home to Udall. My husband was driving, and I was in the passenger seat. Our two little girls, aged 2 and 5 months, were in the back seat.

My husband noticed a sheriff’s car sitting on the side of the highway, so he slowed down to pass by. As we did, a truck that had been following us going an estimated 75 mph ran smack into the rear end of our 4-door car.

We were in shock, but the first thing we did was check to see if each other and our daughters were ok. Our 2-year-old exclaimed, “there is ice everywhere!” It was the rear windshield all over her and our 5-month-old baby.

As scary as it was, everyone, including the driver of the truck, was ok, other than some bruises and whiplash. I have never been more thankful for the rear-facing infant seat my baby was in, and the forward-facing convertible seat my toddler was in.

We had several people stop to see if we were ok and to help comfort us and the girls. Thankfully the police officer was there to witness the whole thing and get emergency services on the scene quickly. We now have three girls, and the younger two are in child restraints. It will stay that way until they can safely ride without a booster or car seat.

 

Kirsten Byrd now resides in Independence where she works as a Management Information Systems Clerk for the Tri-County Special Education Interlocal 607.