Published: October 02, 2009 12:27 am      

Safety seats save lives

One year and two weeks ago, Taylor Johnson was slowing her vehicle for the four-way stop at Markland and Park avenues – and lost consciousness.

According to Kokomo police, a 44-year-old driver rear-ended Johnson’s mid-size truck at a high rate of speed. Johnson’s vehicle sustained heavy damage and nearly rolled over before landing on the driver’s side.

The 44-year-old driver was not wearing a seat belt. He was transported to Howard Regional Health System and admitted. He had a blood-alcohol content of 0.30, police said – more than three times the legal limit.

Johnson was wearing a safety belt. She suffered a large cut on her head.

Her then-2-month-old son was riding with her. He was secured in a child’s safety seat. He suffered minor injuries.

Both were taken to St. Joseph Hospital, where they were treated and released.

Connie Martin read the story of the accident in the Sept. 22, 2008, Kokomo Tribune. It’s laminated and hanging on a wall in her office.

Martin is manager of the AAA Hoosier Motor Club office at 3551 S. LaFountain St. She believes everyone can learn something from Johnson, who at the time of her accident was just 17.

Always secure young children in an age-appropriate safety seat and ensure it’s installed correctly.

The Kokomo AAA office is a “permanent fitting station” of safety seats, Martin said. It is sanctioned by Riley Hospital for Children, Indiana University Medical Center and the Governor’s Council on Impaired and Dangerous Drivers.

She said anyone can stop by the AAA office to have a safety seat properly installed. All one must do is fill out a form.

Child safety seats save lives and prevent serious injuries, but only if they’re used correctly. Just ask Taylor Johnson.