Kids Should Not Sit In Front Seats: 2 Incidents In 2 Months Prove Why

Road accident rates in the country have been climbing in recent times. We get to hear unfortunate news almost every other day. What’s more alarming is the rate at which child and infant mortality in crashes is increasing, and many a time these are caused by airbags! Yes, the same piece of equipment that is meant to save lives- all due to ignorance and incorrect usage. Two recent incidents prove the same.

Six-Year-Old Dies In Vashi

A tragic accident in Vashi claimed the life of a six-year-old boy, Harsh Arethia, late Saturday night when the Maruti Wagon R he was travelling in collided with an out-of-control SUV. The SUV, driven by Dr. Vinod Pachade, a 40-year-old cosmetic surgeon, reportedly hit a median, got tossed into the air, and landed on the bonnet of the hatchback in which Harsh was seated.

The impact triggered the deployment of the airbag, which fatally injured the boy. Experts suspect that the child died of shock and internal trauma despite having no visible external injuries.

The incident occurred near the Blue Diamond Hotel junction in Sector 28, Vashi, around 11:30 PM. The boy was seated in the front passenger seat, while his father, Mavji Arethia, drove the car with his three cousins in the back. They had just stepped out for a late-night panipuri treat after returning home.

According to Assistant Inspector Dipak Gavit of the Vashi police station, the sudden airbag deployment caused Harsh to lose consciousness, and he was pronounced dead on arrival at a nearby civic hospital. His father and the other occupants, including the SUV driver, sustained minor injuries.

Dr. Pachade remained at the scene and cooperated with the authorities, recording his statement at the Vashi police station. He has been charged with rash and negligent driving causing death and has been issued a notice to cooperate with the investigation and court proceedings.

This heartbreaking event underscores the critical importance of adhering to child safety protocols in vehicles. While airbags are crucial for passenger safety, they can pose risks to children, especially those under 13, if seated in the front seat.

Two-Year-Old Dies In Kerala

In a previous crash in Kerala, a two-year-old child died following the sudden deployment of airbags. The toddler was seated on her mother’s lap in the front passenger seat when the car collided with a tanker truck. Upon impact, the airbags deployed, pressing against the child’s face and suffocating her. Despite four other occupants escaping with minor injuries, the improper seating arrangement proved fatal for the child.

How To Travel Safely With Your Child?

These unfortunate incidents underscore the critical importance of using appropriate child safety equipment, such as child car seats, and following safe seating practices. Many parents remain unaware of the risks associated with allowing children to sit in the front seat or on laps during a car journey.

Airbags are designed to protect adult occupants. They release with immense force when deployed and press against young passengers (especially those under 13), suffocating them to death. Proper installation and use of child seats at the rear is the way to go. Investing in a good quality child seat or booster seat can be of help. Selecting the right child seat should be based on the weight, build and age of the occupant. Most modern cars come with ISOFIX mounts for easy installation of child restraint systems.

Alarmingly, more than 55,000 children have died in road accidents in our country since 2008. In 2014, the Indian government made it mandatory for automakers to provide child restraint systems in vehicles. Today, our laws state that children under 13 should be protected by these systems when travelling in a car. Failing to do this will attract a fine of Rs 1000. Unfortunately, though, 76% of parents are unaware of these equipment or the right way to use them!