Officials urge car seat checks after fatal Fayetteville wreck
FAYETTEVILLE, N.C. (WTVD) -- As the Fayetteville community mourns the loss of two children in a crash earlier this week that also left another child critically injured, authorities are urging parents and caregivers to take a closer look at car seat safety.
Officials say none of the children involved in Wednesday's crash on Cedar Creek Road was properly restrained. No safety device can prevent every injury, and in this crash, the mother was driving 111 mph when the wreck occurred.
Still, experts stressed that using car seats and boosters correctly can make a life-saving difference.
"Every crash is different, but doctors, firefighters, and child safety advocates all agree on one thing - properly restraining a child can save a life," said RN Stacey Koonce, patient care manager at Cape Fear Valley Medical Center.
Koonce, who has cared for children in the emergency room for 21 years, said one of the most common mistakes she sees is moving a child out of a booster seat too soon.
"If you look at how my knees are here and they come off of the seat, that's really important-that tells you that they're ready for the lap belt and the shoulder belt because it's going to meet them across here instead of across the neck, where when you get into a car accident, it pulls really tightly," Koonce explained.
Mary Anne Murphy, community risk prevention specialist with the Fayetteville Fire Department, noted that though nothing is guaranteed, the proper use of car seats matters.
"You should not be able to pinch the fabric. If you can pinch it, it's too loose," Murphy said.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, half of the children ages 8 to 12 in 2023 who died in crashes were not buckled up. That's why local organizations are working proactively to educate parents on car seat safety.
"When we conduct these classes, we ensure that the parent is understanding that I'm not trying to fix the child. I've got to fix you because I can't fix the child if you still have the same behaviors," said Amanda Ross with Creative Minds Healthcare, PLLC.
Koonce says it often comes down to a simple decision: "You have to take that extra five minutes and just make sure that everybody's restrained properly."
To help families, the Fayetteville Fire Department offers free car seat safety checks at three fire stations across the city. Certified technicians ensure seats are properly installed and appropriate for each child's size and age. Though the department does not provide free car seats, technicians will inspect and install existing equipment and ensure it's in good working order.
The Cape Fear Valley Health Foundation provides free car and booster seats to eligible families.
"Cape Fear Valley Health Foundation supports vulnerable children and families in need receiving care at Cape Fear Valley Hospital by providing car seats, booster seats, and infant carriers. This resource is made possible through the generosity of community donors and assures safe transportation for all children leaving our care," said Brittany H. Dickerhoff, director of development for the foundation.
Parents interested in car seat checks can visit or call the following permanent fire station checking sites between 8 a.m. and 8 p.m., Monday through Saturday. Because crews may respond to emergencies, calling ahead is highly recommended:
- Station 3: 3225 Rosehill Road | (910) 433-1733
- Station 9: 5091 Santa Fe Drive | (910) 433-1739
- Station 12: 911 Hope Mills Road | (910) 433-1008
Local officials hope these resources and reminders will help prevent another tragedy and keep Fayetteville's children safe on the roads.
