Maternal Outrage.

This morning, on my way to work, I was jamming out to some good ol' Colt Ford (regardless of where I live, I will always love some country music!), when the unthinkable happened. The car in front of me, lost control. My heart about dropped out of my chest and once everything was over, I had to remind myself to breathe. I was an eye witness and so the witness report went something like this:

Vehicle (silver Toyota Camry with Georgia license plate) was traveling west bound on I-20 in the left hand lane. Car swerved off into the left side emergency lane, as though the car was pulling over, car kept going and was almost in the middle of the grass median when the car pulled to the right to get back on the highway. Vehicle ran into the metal barriers on the left hand side of the highway and car spun about 180 degrees before crossing the three lanes of traffic to hit the driver’s side of the car into the concrete barrier that goes over the small creek/river at the “Welcome to Bossier City” sign. Car finally gained control and was completely facing the East in the right side emergency lane. I pulled over and stopped my car on the right side emergency lane and called 911. I spoke with the dispatcher and then to Bossier PD. I thought the vehicle (silver Toyota Camry) was going to keep on driving. The vehicle did not come to a complete stop (even after she hit the concrete barrier) until about 50 feet from the place the vehicle hit on the right side of the interstate. While I was still on the phone with Bossier PD, 2 state trooper (1 car, 1 sedan) came to the scene of the accident. I hung up with 911/Bossier PD and went to the troopers to fill out the witness report. This vehicle contained 1 female driver, and 4-5 children in the back seat of her vehicle. The front seat of her car was full of miscellaneous items (luggage, bags, etc).

Now, just in case you aren't aware, I absolutely love children. David and I hope to have some of our own one day, but in the mean time, apparently God has given me the ability to have a maternal outrage for all the irresponsible drivers out there that do not put their children in the proper car seat while traveling!!! I know, with most things, people would say "just wait until you have kids" - believe me, I promise, when we have children David and I both will do everything in our God given right to protect them at all cost - that INCLUDES while being transported. Period.

Here are a couple of helpful websites that have recall information for vehicles as well as current code/laws for various states as it regards to children and car seats: www.safercar.gov and www.kidsandcars.org  

Just in case you are uninformed or haven't ever looked into it before - if you are traveling through Louisiana - and your children are not in a car seat - you get a $100 ticket - per child. (www.elitecarseats.com)

If you are traveling in any other state, please refer to this website to know what the laws are. Bottom line: before you leave your parking space - make sure your children are properly secure and safe. You never know what could happen.

This message comes to you from the bottom of my heart. Take care of those precious children and be thankful you have them, most importantly, it is your job to not be their friend, but protect them with every fiber in your being!
 

Buckle Up and Safe Driving!!!