JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – At least two children have been killed in crashes in our area in the past six days.
The latest crash happened Thursday morning near the Jacksonville Zoo on North Main Street. A 1-year-old boy died in a crash near Clark Road, the Florida Highway Patrol said.
Children have also been involved in serious crashes in Putnam and Columbia counties.
It can be difficult taking care of kids, but mother Maria Bianchetta said she always makes sure they're protected in the car.
"I always make sure that the seat belt is tight, like really tight, so that it is not moving around," Bianchetta said.
She said her heart breaks to hear about recent crashes involving children, such as most recently Thursday morning when the 1-year-old was killed in a crash on Jacksonville's Northside.
Sky 4 showed two vehicles involved. Troopers said three other children were also hurt, but should survive. It's unclear whether the children were in car seats, but News4Jax did see some at the scene.
On Wednesday, an infant was critically hurt in a crash in Palatka. Troopers said the child was not in a car seat and instead in the arms of a 13-year-old.
Last Friday, a baby was killed in a two-car crash in Columbia County.
"Their bodies are not fully developed yet, so they are more susceptible to injury than adults," said Cynthia Dennis, who runs Safe Kids of Northeast Florida, a nonprofit that stresses education to protect kids.
Dennis said:
- Car crashes are a leading cause of injury and death for kids.
- Between 2014 and 2015, there was a 10 percent increase in fatal crashes involving children under the age of 13.
- While most parents put kids in car seats, 59 percent are not installed correctly.
"The main thing is make sure that they are in the right car seat in that that car seat is installed correctly," Dennis said.
Dennis said they need to start at birth and stay in a car seat until the seat belt fits, which is usually between 8 and 12 years old depending on their height and weight.
Bianchetta said it's a top priority because she knows how dangerous it is.
"It is pretty scary," Bianchetta said. "You got to look out for other drivers and pay attention."
If possible, put your kids in the back middle seat of your car; That's usually the safest. Safe Kids of Northeast Florida offers free child seat safety checks every week by appointment. You just have to call their office and set it up. They say it's a lifesaver.
To learn about which car seat is best for your child and how to install it, click here.
Parents and caregivers can call 202-4302 for a free car seat check or click here.