A horrible car wreck last week in Tacoma, Washington could have left a toddler dead, but it didn’t. Mom Kylee Barrett was driving her 5-year-old son, Kolton, to school with her 2-year-old, Hunter, along for the ride when her car hit a patch of black ice. Barrett’s car slid and was heading for a head-on crash with another car, so she swerved, forcing them into a tree that crushed Hunter’s side of the car. The impact caused Hunter’s car seat to bend, but it did it’s job and absorbed the force of the crash, keeping Hunter safe despite the fact that the car flipped upside down.
Hunter’s car seat after the crash. Image: Go Fund Me
Barrett’s car after the wreck. Image: Go Fund Me
Barrett wants to make sure that other parents know that Hunter’s car seat saved his life. She also wants to make sure they know that it was PROPER INSTALLATION of the seat specifically that resulted in her son surviving the crash. Facebook user Heather Viers is using the photo of Hunter’s crushed seat to spread the word about proper car seat use: “This specific seat retails for $100. It’s NOT a ‘nice’ seat, but it further illustrates the point that you don’t have to spend a fortune to keep your child safe. Get your car seats checked by a CPST. Use it properly every.single.time. The life of your child relies on it.”
Whether your child’s car seat costs $100 or $1000 isn’t the issue, it’s the proper installation that is going to save your kiddo’s life. If you have doubts, go to your local fire station and have crews there check it for you!
Hunter has a broken femur but is recovering well, as are mom Kylee and big brother Kolton. We’re so thankful that God protected this family—and that they’re spreading the word about car seat safety!
Hunter recovering in the hospital. Image: Go Fund Me
Hunter’s mom has set up a Go Fund Me to help with medical expenses. If you’d like to help, you can check it out here.
