The unexpected death of a child can be unbearable at times and affects many people causing sadness, pain, and shock. This affect never goes away as it is always constant in your life. It is 4am on Sunday morning our daughter called the house crying and upset because she misses her brother. It has been over two years since we lost Dustin, yet the intense pain fills all of our hearts daily. There are many people in this world that face that same pain. For us as parents the thought that something could have prevented the death of any child makes something in the pit of our stomach just turn, yet it also lights a fire in your heart to change the world.

That is why organizations like KIDS AND CARS are so important to get the word out about prevention. Founded by Janette E. Fennell the mission of KIDS AND CARS is to assure no child dies or is injured in a non-traffic, motor vehicle related event. At the KIDS AND CARS website you can find mass amounts of information about the prevention of losing a child to the many dangers of a non-traffic, motor vehicle accident. We believe that this information should be printed and given to every licensed driver every time they visit their local Motor Vehicle Office. People especially parents need to beware of the dangers your automobile can pose to your child that is why we must get the word out about KIDS AND CARS. We have raised four children and ourselves never realized that power window strangulation and vehicles put in motion causes the death of many children every year.

The fast growing trend of SUVs and larger vehicles with larger blind spots is contributing to the amount of children being hurt or killed by a motor vehicle. As some of you may know our son was killed by an SUV as are so many other children. People must realize these vehicles are deadly weapons, the SUV that ran over our son was large enough to drag him and his bike underneath it and he was 15 years old. A child that is less than 3 feet tall has no chance at even being seen if they are close enough to an SUV making them most dangerous in your own driveway. KIDS AND CARS has a very informative section on different technology aftermarket options to address the blind zone behind a motor vehicle. They have also teamed up with Advocates for Highway and Auto Safety, and The Consumer’s Union to work with members of Congress to pass bi-partisan legislation that will establish basic safety regulations. KIDS AND CARS provide links to different ways you can help participate in this effort. It is absolutely ridiculous that automakers have not volunteered to make vehicles safer around children, they should visit the KIDS AND CARS website and read the heartbreaking stories of parents that have lost children due to their poorly made cars, that would make them think twice!

The greatest impact KIDS AND CARS had on us were the 45 individual stories that parents have written as a tribute to their child, telling each of their experiences. We have yet to read through all of them as it brings so many painful memories and so much anger that these senseless accidents can be avoided. If you are a parent you must read about these families that have endured so much, and we ask you to support KIDS AND CARS in helping get this important legislation passed. Write your local Congress , donate a little something to KIDS AND CARS, and most important pass the word of their website to anyone who will listen. If just one death of a child is avoided by doing this it makes it all worth it.