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

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[Emily Kate]

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!

[bellesgift]

I do understand that, at the time of our accident in Australia that was not even normal practise. Most parents used nothing for 7 year olds. The laws have now changed thanks to Belle. Madeleine is now 14 and does not obviously use anything any more.

[lexus20033]

She is NOT tall enough to ride in a booster at all, let alone a no back booster. Please rethink your decision.

[1234grouchy]

To many parents refuse to pay a little more $ to get a 5pt harnessed seat that goes to higher weights so they end up using a cheap booster when their kids outgrow their convertible seat. Of course many of these same parents who say they can't afford a better seat always find the $ for their cigarettes:( My thoughts are you can't put a price on your kids safety and if you're that hard up that you can't afford a quality seat then you probably shouldn't be having kids just yet.

[araceli3912]

my daughter is 3 yrs old she is about 37 inches i use a booster seat i knw many people who dont use car seat i use it without the back just the seat part because she is tall enough without the back im not 100% sure i actually lost the instruction manual and the sticker has rubbed off great video thanks so much

[pattymreyes1]

My oldest daughter is using a booster seatl even that she weights 73 lb and high 51in bc I want nothing bothers her when we r in a accident, en USA. Is a lot of help with safety information and my other 2 girls r using car seat convertible so they will use it until 65 lb; but this video made me to remember if my car seat r perfectly installed. Sorry for your lost and thank u for this reminder.

[zoomo67]

Thank you Belle, my 12 year old sister and I are still in 5 pt. harness.

[zoomo67]

Bless you Belle, thank you for saving my sister and I.

[zoomo67]

Thanks for raising awareness, R.I.P Isabelle

[zoomo67]

R.I.P beautiful angel.

[boneheaders]

Your 2 year old sister is probably 3 by now, but when you are ever in the car with her, just take the seat belt and thread it through the belt path and extend the seat belt all the way out to lock it. Then, while the car is moving, tighten the seat belt as much as possible. Even with a poor installation, it is better than nothing- poor installation still save kids. 95 % of car seats are installed incorrectly, but kids today have a less chance of dying than 30 years ago.