As parents, there is nothing we want more than for our kids to be safe. That’s why we baby-proof our homes, install baby gates everywhere, and use car seats when we take our kids places in the car.
As our children get older we often start to lose sight of all those safety measures, but one mom is hoping to change that by speaking out.
When it comes to car seats, most of us think of using them for babies and toddlers.
When you’re getting ready to go home with your newborn from the hospital, they won’t even let you leave unless you can show them proof of a properly installed car seat.
However, one mom is speaking out and reminding parents of the importance of booster seats in cars for older children.
Jen McLellan is a blogger and the creator of the popular Plus Mommy podcast. Jen recently took to Instagram to share a horrifying but important story.
It all started when Jen received a call no parents wants to get.
“On Sunday I received the phone call you never want to get – a call from my husband that he and my son had been in a terrible car accident,” Jen wrote in an Instagram post.
An SUV ran a red light and Jen’s husband t-boned the vehicle.
The photos from the collision are shocking, but things could have been much worse.
The paramedics on scene told Jen that her nine-year-old son had minimal injuries, but it could have been much worse if he hadn’t been in his booster seat.
Jen’s husband suffered more serious injuries but is on the road to recovery.
Like a lot of kids his age, Jen’s son didn’t want to use a booster seat.
“I can’t tell you how many arguments I’ve had with my 9-year-old about him not wanting to be in a booster because his friends don’t use one. I’m forever thankful I never budged,” Jen said in her post.
In this photo, you can see exactly where the seat belt left bruises from the crash.
Jen’s post is an important reminder to keep your kid in a booster seat as long as possible.
According to The Car Seat Lady, only when kids meet all five of these requirements can they ride safely without a booster seat. Most kids still need a booster seat between the ages of 10-12.
Since sharing her story, Jen’s post has gone viral.
This Instagram user who works as a child passenger safety technician (CPST) thanked Jen for spreading awareness about this issue and added that many kids need booster seats even beyond the age of 12. It’s a good reminder that could save lives.