The Importance of a 5 Point Harness Car Seat - Belle's Gift

Our three year old daughter was killed in a car accident on 13 April 2006. A truck crossed over the centre lines and our vehicle hit a tree when trying to avoid a collision with the truck.
Our seven year old walked away from the crash, but Isabelle was fatally injured by the adult seatbelt used with her booster seat.
There were no warnings about the dangers involved in using adult belts with toddlers. The law in Australia allows children as young as 12 months to use only an adult belt. This is manslaughter through poor legislation.
If Belle was wearing a 5 point harness she would never have sustained these injuries and she would now be a happy, healthy four year old.
We have set up a website in Belle's honour at http://isabelle-broadhead.memory-of.com and a discussion board at http://www.isabelle-paige.com/phpbb2

Category:

People & Blogs

Tags:

• carseat
• safety
• seatbelt
• car
• accident
• booster
• harness
• isabelle
• broadhead

[4MusicQueen]

I'm sorry for ur loss... I know how u feel I just lost my two and a half year old son and 46 year old father not even three weeks ago... my son was also in a booster seat... it was a head on collision and killed my baby on impact... my four year old in the big boy booster seat walked away with a broken arm and a concusion... i know how u feel and share my deepest sympathy...CAMA

[bellesgift]

I am so sorry you know our pain. I am so sorry that you now walk the road we walk. I hope that your comment will tell others of the importance of the best seating possible. 1 death is too many. So much loves.

[Emluvsya46]

I'm only twelve, so I don't know much on that subject, but you and Belle touched my heart forever. I wish I could do something to promote this video, so heartbreaking. I'm so sorry for your loss, and I hope you know she is watching from heaven. My daddy died when I was seven, and my uncle on christmas eve, and my nana, and my also 12 year old friend. I'm not a mother, but I know how you feel. Thank you for your life, Belle's life, and this vid. God bless you and your beautiful daughter and wife.

[littlemissblueeyes]

So heartbreaking. Thank you for your gift sweet little Belle. I pass this video on to everyone I know who prematurely put their child in a booster seat. You are saving lives little angel!

[JJ2112MM]

Thank you for raising awarenss and sharing memories of Isabelle. Before doing my research, I couldn't wait to put my 3 year old into a booster car seat. Now I realize how important it is to keep my babies in 5 point harness car seats as long as possible. I love them so much and would do anything to keep them safe. The video is very touching. Your little Angel is saving children's lives every day, I know it. Our family will help to raise awareness and never forget your beautiful Isabelle.

[ohmy818]

Your daughter is beautiful . Thank you for sharing her story with us. She obviously had a big purpose in life al be it a short one her purpose was to warn other of this fatal error that people make everyday and think is safe.

[eddiesmama1]

Hello - thank you for sharing your heartbreaking story. Thanks to you, I have purchased a Sunshine Kids Radian 80SL seat to be delivered to Australia (even though for some crazy reason they are not leagal here - our kids have to be in a seat belt or harness from 18kgs - which my son was at 2.5).

[kfristoe1]

Thank you for this video. I was going to allow my son to graduate to a booster when he turned 4 (because he's almost 40 lbs). I will now make him stay in his 5 point harness until he is 5 years old. My prayers go out to you and your family.

[khbeason]

So very sorry for your loss. Belle's a beautiful girl. My two year old will be rearfacing until he is 4 and then will continue to be harnessed forward facing until the limits of his seat (65lbs). Im a bit of a carseat/safety nut so I hope you dont mind if I share this on my FB page.

[lexus20033]

This is heartbreaking. I shared this video on my facebook for all the parents to learn! I'm so sorry for your loss. What a beautiful little girl.

[mylovesofmylife]

Belle is pretty. I remember reading Belle's story in a magazine/article.

[wordbugger]

3 years ago, I post this:

"Thank you Belle. I just bought a seat with a harness limit of 55lbs.

wordbugger 3 years ago"

My son just turned 7 and he is still happily in his seat. When he asks for a seat like my 10 year old's booster, I remind him that race car drivers use belts like his. I know his time in it is limited, but I'll be happy to make it through the icy roads of winter with him a bit safer.

thank you again, Belle.

[PulSamsara]

@hotgirljen99 We have this one.  We like it and it's comfortable (evidently) on road trips too - and will be keeping out 5 year old in it until he's 65 pounds.

[PulSamsara]

Thank You for this posting. You and 'belle made my decision for me. Jacob will be staying in his car seat. Thank You so much. Peace to you and to 'belle.