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Nadine Wimmer ReportingA group of Utah mothers has launched a crusade to make Utah streets safer for babies and kids. There is one thing they want every parent to have, a car seat.
Three moms are starting in their own Summit County, and hope to one day provide free car seats to any Utah family that needs one. It's perhaps the number one single item that could help Utah children Stay Safe.
Nine-month old Esmeralda has already outgrown her infant seat. With tight finances her mom might have to make do. But they found help and a new car seat at the Park City Fire Department.
Christina Sullivan, Campaign Organizer: “A car seat is not a privilege, it's a necessity. That's the bottom line.”
That conviction has led three women on a quest to provide anyone in their community with a free, properly installed car seat. A tragic accident just down the road from the fire station is what sparked this effort. A group of Park City moms didn't want any other families to have to go through the same thing.
Naomi Doyle, Campaign Organizer: “There's a baby in the car. I looked and I didn't see a baby. Then I realized the baby was on the floor of the car. And that was very hard. She wasn't moving. None of us couldn't touch the child because we didn't want to make the injuries worse.”
Christina Sullivan: “If this gal had been in a car seat, if you saw the car, there was plenty of room for her to walk away.”
So these non-profit novices are trying to raise money and awareness, especially targeting parents with older toddlers.
Naomi Doyle: “All these children who have infant seats, they grow out of them and parents don't take the next step to buy them the next car seat.”
The baby in the crash that brought them together is slowly, miraculously recovering. Hope champions their efforts, along with the thanks from each grateful parent.
Natasha Adams, Mother: “It's perfect timing for me because I can't afford one right now. I think it's awesome that people will reach out and do stuff like this.”
Christy Young, Campaign Organizer: “It's a labor of love. We want every child to be safe. There's no reason in this day and age that any child should be driving around unrestrained and unsafe.”
Their efforts will help everyone rest a little easier.
Tips for Keeping Car Seats Safe
--Remember, car seats expire after five years.
--If the car seat has been in any accident, no matter how minor, it should be replaced
--The Utah Department of Health recommends that children should remain in a car seat until they are 80 pounds or eight years old.
