Police indicate that three children were hospitalized after an accident on Interstate 55 in south St. Louis last evening. Authorities say a car was traveling on northbound I-55 at 6:45 p.m. when the 29 year-old driver lost control of the vehicle. The vehicle then struck the median, was hit by another car and then crashed into the wheels of a tanker truck
According to the article report, a 10 year-old, a 9 year-old and a 5-year old were all in the vehicle when the driver lost control. It is reported that the children suffered head injuries and were taken to a local hospital in stable condition. Authorities said the 29 year-old driver complained of arm pain and was taken to an area hospital. No other injuries were reported.
According to KMOV news, two of the three children were taken to the hospital in serious to critical condition. At this time, it is difficult to know the true nature of the injuries as information about minors is and should be kept confidential. The crash shut down northbound I-55. Officials said the tanker truck was hauling gasoline, thus the accident could have been exceedingly more serious. Interstate accidents can often be of the most serious nature due to the higher speeds of traffic travel opposed to city streets. At this time, it is unclear as to what caused the 29 year- old driver to lose control of the vehicle. Investigators will be gathering physical evidence as well gathering witness statements in their investigation.
Car Child Safety Seats
Auto accidents are the leading cause of death and injury to children. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), when used correctly, child safety seats effectively reduce the risk of death by 71 percent for infants (under age 1) and by 54 percent for toddlers (age 1-3) and children in boosters (age 4-9). Booster seats vary according to the age and size of the child. Certainly, law officers will be investigating as to whether or not the children involved in yesterday’s accident were properly restrained. Information suggesting the children were or were not properly restrained was not available and because a child is injured, it does not necessarily mean the child was not properly and safely restrained. Each auto accident is unique and the injuries to the occupants are unique. I have written articles in the past about the importance of car child safety seats. Child car safety seats can be extremely effective is used properly and correctly installed per the manufacturer’s instructions.
The accident on I-55 resulting in children being injured is a tragedy and should serve as a reminder to be sure and properly restrain children riding in your car. When going short distances, we are all tempted to skip a step in haste, however, the majority of auto accidents occur within 15 miles of the home.
Loose Items in the Car Causing Injury
Something I frequently forget about is the “loose items” in the car such as shopping bags, luggage, and various toys. In the event of a car accident, those items can be lethal when they take flight. Traveling with kids usually means you have a lot of “stuff” with you. Look for ways to secure as many of the items as possible. It is a hassle to secure strollers, toys, athletic equipment, etc, but think about the items in your car and what kind of damage could they do if “take flight” in a car accident. You should be concerned about loose items in the car whether you are transporting children or not.
We rarely think about these little things unless it is in the aftermath of shocking news of injuries of children. It has not been reported or suggested in the articles that the children were Not properly restrained, so I do not want to imply such. Rather, raising awareness about the importance of properly restraining your child in the car in appropriate safety seats, seat boosters and seat belts is always important.
The identify of the children was not available nor the hospital(s) to which they were taken. I sincerely hope these children recover quickly with no lasting health complications.
If you have been in an accident that may have been caused by another driver besides yourself, you may legal assistance. Our attorneys at The Cagle Law Firm are expert car accident attorneys focused on helping you obtain the compensation you deserve. Call toll free (800) 685-3302 or locally (314) 276-1681 for your free consultation.
