MARYLAND STATE POLICE BEAT Newborn infant protected by properly installed child safety seat when family’s vehicle was involved in a crash caused by a distracted driver

MARYLAND STATE POLICE BEAT Newborn infant protected by properly installed child safety seat when family’s vehicle was involved in a crash caused by a distracted driver

BENEDICT, MD. Maryland State Police at La Plata report that a properly installed baby seat saved the life of a newborn baby on the infant’s first venture out onto the dangerous roads of the Free State.

Police say that on March 17, 2018, at about 1 pm, MSP La Plata Troopers responded to MD 231 in the area of Teague’s Point Rd, for a three-vehicle personal injury collision. Investigation revealed a Buick Park Avenue was stopped on E/B MD 231, attempting to turn left onto Wimbush Drive.

A GMC Terrain was also traveling E/B MD 231, when they failed to control their speed, and struck the Buick Park Avenue in the rear. This collision sent the Buick across the lane dividing lines, and into the westbound lanes of MD 231, where it was struck by a Ford Edge traveling W/B MD 231.

All occupants of the three vehicles were taken to local hospitals for non-life-threatening injuries.

MARYLAND STATE POLICE:
After a moderate/severe collision, all child safety seats should be replaced immediately. Child safety seats are designed to survive a single collision.

The Ford Edge was W/B MD 231, having just left Calvert Memorial Hospital. The operator and passenger were on their way home with their newborn child, who was 2 days old. One of the Troopers on the scene was a certified Child Safety Seat Technician, who inspected and found the seat to have been installed properly, likely protecting the child from more serious injuries.

The Maryland State Police revealed important information about car safety seats which have been involved in a crash: It is while investigating collisions such as this one, Troopers bring to the parent’s attention information which they did not previously know: After a moderate/severe collision, all child safety seats should be replaced immediately. Child safety seats are designed to survive a single collision. Immediate replacement ensures a continued high level of crash protection for child passengers.

Police say that all three occupants of the Ford Edge were home from the hospital the following day.