There have been 2 tragic accidents (link contains disturbing and sad news) in about a week in California. Children have drowned in their cars after going into a river. My heart aches for those poor mothers that tried so desperately to save their children. I have a deeper appreciation for the rescue workers who aid in these situations. I read that some of them were at both scenes. What amazing men and women who face tragedy and risk their lives daily when they go to work. THANK YOU! I extend my deepest sympathies to the families and communities that have lost these loved ones. I pray that God’s ultimate hands of comfort will be evident in their lives.
I have no doubt that these mothers did everything within their power to save their babies. I have often mentally gone through the scenario and tried to think through what I would do. THIS article is exactly the information I needed to read to be as prepared as humanly possible.
I have one more thing to add to this escape plan. I carry a tool on my keychain that can cut seatbelts and break windows. HERE is a link to Amazon (affiliate link) if you are interested. Obviously I have never had to test it, but I would hope it would work as it promises. I got it about 9 years ago when I had my first child. Please don’t let your kids play with your keys if you carry it. They could potentially take the cover off the seat belt cutter and get hurt. I got a second one a few years ago so we have one in each car. There was an accident around the corner from our home where a man perished in his car when he was rear ended and his vehicle caught on fire. His seatbelt was stuck and he couldn’t get out. I want to be prepared as possible in the event of an emergency. Of course I have many unrealistic fears because I’m a mom, but I want to know that I did everything humanly possible to keep our family safe.
As frightening as this topic is, I think I will be sharing this information with my 9 and 7 year old as well. I don’t want to tell them any tragic stories, but I do want them to know what we all should do if we ever find ourselves in a sinking car. What’s your plan as a mom as far as informing your children? I don’t want our kids to live in fear, but I do want them to be well informed so we can all work together to get to safety.
Last note: I have faced unexpected loss as well, My family lost my 21 year old brother in an accident in 2009. Griefshare was an amazing resource in my life. I apologize for the heavy post, but I do think it’s good information to share.
Dana Rodriguez
September 5, 2016 at 6:51 pmomg this is heartbreaking! Everyone should have one of these tools!
Janet W.
September 4, 2016 at 8:16 amI have a tool similar to this that I keep in my car. Scary thought, but better to be safe than sorry when you need it!
Maryann D.
September 4, 2016 at 7:18 amI also feel so sad when I read about these horrible accidents or see them on the news. It is so important for everyone to be educated about this. I do keep the cutter tool in my car also and it can break windows.
Ginny
September 5, 2016 at 2:58 amIt breaks my heart. I’m glad you are prepared with a tool as well.
Sara Zielinski
September 3, 2016 at 6:51 pmA seat belt cutter is very important.
Rosie
September 3, 2016 at 2:03 pmI’m getting a seat belt cutter. I was in a car whereby there was flash flooding. I remember driving to work and the water was coming up out of the drains like geyers, instead of going down. At work, the water was rising and we tried to get some things off the floor, and when the water got up to the electrical outlets, we ran out of the building. There was a torrential downpour you couldn’t see anything. We got into our bosses car an he started driving, but the water went up asap over the windshield. Dipsy dumpsters were floating by, the water black and oily. We had to bail from the car and the girl next to me grabbed me and said she couldn’t swim, freaking. I don’t even remember how I got out of the car, I only remember swimming as hard as I could and being totally filthy from the water when I got safe, but whew! Later, I saw my own car had a box of powder detergent floating around in the water in the car. It all happened extremely fast, We didn’t have time to think. I can’t imagine plunging into a river most people don’t get out alive. Being able to cut the seat belt would save precious seconds.
Ginny
September 3, 2016 at 2:19 pmWow Rosie! That is such a scary story. Thank you for sharing! I am so glad you were safe, but what a frightening situation. I think you do your best and have knowledge to be as safe as possible in these situations and hopefully tools to save precious seconds. Obviously things can be out of our hands, but we hope that never happens. Can’t live in fear all the time, but we can be prepared and informed.