2 Killed and 2 Injured After SUV Fails to Yield Right of Way
Not an actual photo of the accident.
On the morning of Wednesday, July 20, in Littlefield, Texas, an SUV pulled out in front of a semi-truck, causing a fatal crash.
The Failure to Yield Accident
In Littlefield, Texas, on July 20, a 30-year-old woman was driving a silver 2004 Jeep Liberty. The SUV was also carrying a 13-year-old girl in the front passenger seat and a 5-year-old boy and a 2-month-old girl in the back seat. The two younger children were in approved safety seats.
The female driver stopped at a stop sign at the intersection of East Loop 430 and U.S. Highway 84. She failed to yield the right of way and pulled out into traffic in front of a 2014 Peterbilt Bobtail truck. The trucker, a 67-year-old male, was not able to stop the truck and struck the driver's side of the SUV.
Littlefield police and EMS responded to the accident and announced that the woman and the teen girl died at the scene. The boy suffered a broken leg and head injuries, but the baby girl was not injured. An ambulance took both to a nearby hospital, where the boy underwent surgery for his injuries.
The trucker sustained minor injuries to his arm but refused treatment at the scene.
8 Safety Tips for Your Child’s Car Seat
Since car crashes are the highest cause of death or injury in children, car seat safety is essential. Car seats are the best way to protect your child in a crash. Follow these tips to keep your child safe in the car.
Use the Right Size Car Seat – Each car seat has different height and weight restrictions. Make sure you use one that matches your child’s current height and weight.
Make Sure They Are Facing the Right Way – Some car seats, especially those designed for newborns, are designed only to face the rear, while others can convert from rear-facing to forward-facing. However, it’s recommended that children face the rear until they reach the height and weight limit, typically between 30 and 60 pounds.
Don’t Put Anything Between Your Child and the Straps – Even in cold weather, don’t put anything, such as a blanket or toy, between your child and the straps. Doing so makes the straps loose and no longer safe.
Check the Chest Strap – Make sure the chest strap is snug across your child’s chest. Often, the chest strap is pushed down over the belly, which could result in organ damage during a crash.
Use the Pinch Test – Make sure the shoulder straps aren’t twisted and lay flat on your child’s shoulders. Pinch the fabric; if you can gather it, tighten the strap.
Use the Inch Test – Car seats shouldn’t wiggle around. Move the car seat front-to-back and side-to-side; if it moves more than an inch, tighten it.
Keep Loose Items Secure – In a crash, loose items could harm your child. Although kids sometimes need toys to keep them occupied, try offering them softer toys in the car.
Have Your Child’s Car Seat Inspected – Have a child passenger safety technician inspect your car seat installation. You may be able to find one at your local fire or police department, and these are usually free.
Many children don’t like riding in the car seat because they can’t see you, but keeping children safe should be your number one priority. Make sure you’re prepared for a car accident by using your child’s car seat correctly.
If you or a loved one have suffered an injury from a car accident, reach out to the Law Office of Bobby Garcia for help in your case today.
Source: KCBD