Goodyear, AZ Car Accident Kills Child, Critically Injures Adult

In tragic news out of Goodyear, Arizona, a baby was killed in a car accident on September 17. This terrible story only highlights the fact that children are at risk for serious injuries and even death in car accidents.

Per AZCentral:

Around noon on Sunday, police responded to a single-car crash in the area of South Perryville Road and Harrison Street in Goodyear. The driver of the car, who was identified as a man, was taken to the hospital with life-threatening injuries, police said.

Police said that a baby was pronounced dead at the area of the car crash. It was unclear how old the baby was.

The crash remains under investigation.

Child passenger safety

The CDC reports that, in 2021, 711 child passengers under the age of 12 were killed in car accidents. In 2020, over 63,000 children were injured. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) reports that car accidents are the cause of one out of every four unintentional injury deaths for children under 12. Breaking these numbers down, statistics include:

• 78% of child motor vehicle deaths were passengers
• 15% were pedestrians
• 2% were bicyclists

They also note: “Most crash deaths occur among children traveling as passenger vehicle occupants, and proper restraint use can reduce these fatalities. Restraining children in rear seats instead of front seats reduces fatal injury risk by about three-quarters for children up to age 3, and almost half for children ages 4 to 8.”

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) also offers its own statistics on children and car accidents. They note:

• Of the 42,939 traffic fatalities in 2021 in the United States, 1,184 (3%) were children 14 and younger.
• Child traffic fatalities increased by 8 percent from 2020 (1,101) to 2021 (1,184).
• An estimated 162,298 children were injured in traffic crashes in 2021, a 17-percent increase from 139,058 in 2020.
• An average of 3 children were killed and an estimated 445 children were injured every day in traffic crashes in 2021.

Children and restraint use

Being unrestrained in a vehicle during a car accident can lead to severe and life-changing injuries. Parents and children should both use proper seat belts and restraints while driving, yet the CDC notes not every child is buckled up. In fact, they note that proper restraint use declines with age. Research finds:

• Less than 1% of children under the age of one were not buckled up.
• 6% of children aged 1 to 3 were not buckled up.
• 11% of children aged 4 to 7 were not buckled up.
• 13% of children aged 8 to 12 were not buckled up.

They also note that children in rural areas are typically at higher risk of being killed in a crash, and more likely to be unrestrained or incorrectly restrained.

How can I ensure my child is properly restrained in a vehicle?

Making sure that your child is properly restrained in a vehicle is a priority for their safety while traveling.

Selecting the right car seat

Choose an appropriate car seat for your child’s age, weight, and height. Car seats are categorized into different stages: rear-facing, forward-facing, and booster seats. Ensure that the car seat you select is compliant with your child’s current stage and meets all safety standards and regulations. Always read and carefully follow the manufacturer’s instructions and guidelines provided in the car seat manual. This will help you understand how to install and use the seat correctly.

Installing the car seat

Install the car seat securely in the vehicle, according to both the car seat manufacturer’s instructions and your vehicle’s owner’s manual. Many car seats use the LATCH system (Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children) or seat belts for installation. Make sure the seat is tightly secured and does not move more than an inch in any direction.

• Rear-facing for infants and toddlers. Infants and toddlers should ride in rear-facing car seats until they reach the height or weight limit specified by the car seat manufacturer. This position offers the best protection for their head, neck, and spine.
• Forward-facing for older children. When your child outgrows the rear-facing seat, transition them to a forward-facing car seat with a harness. Follow the manufacturer’s guidelines regarding the appropriate age and size for this transition.
• Booster seats. Once your child outgrows the forward-facing seat, they should use a booster seat until they are big enough to fit safely in a vehicle seat belt. Booster seats help ensure that the seat belt fits properly across the chest and lap, rather than cutting across the neck or abdomen.

Periodically inspect the car seat to make sure it’s still securely installed and that the harness or seat belt is properly adjusted to your child’s size and comfort. Keep up-to-date with any recalls or safety notices related to your child’s car seat. Register the car seat with the manufacturer to receive notifications in case of recalls.

Modeling good safety behavior and seat belt use

Teach your child the importance of using a seat belt as soon as they are old enough to do so without a booster seat. Ensure they understand how to properly buckle up and make it a habit every time they get in a vehicle. As a parent or caregiver, always wear your seat belt and follow proper safety practices when driving. Children are more likely to adopt safe habits when they see adults doing the same.

Child safety in vehicles is of utmost importance, and ensuring proper restraints is essential to protect them from injury in the event of an accident.

If your child was injured in a car accident, whether restraints were in use or not, talk to the experienced attorneys at Plattner Verderame, PC today. We have years of experience helping people just like you, and we will work to secure compensation for your child’s injuries and losses. To schedule a free initial consultation about your accident, fill out our contact page or call our Phoenix or Tempe offices. We are here to help.