A Cariboo mom is reminding other women of the importance of seatbelts for young children after the family escaped serious injuries in a crash just outside of Williams Lake.
Robyn Lee is recovering in hospital from her injuries including chest trauma and knee bruising while her six-month-old baby and two-year-old toddler received bumps and bruising where their seatbelt straps held them in after a truck swerved into her lane, causing her to T-bone the vehicle, Saturday, Dec. 22 at about 3 p.m.
Lee was travelling from Wildwood to Williams Lake when the incident occurred near the Fox Mountain Road turn off.
“I never thought this would happen to me,” Lee told Black Press. “Absolutely terrifying especially with two babies in the back.”
“I know (some) people don’t use the proper car seat regimen and it makes me sick to my stomach thinking what could have happened to them if I haven’t buckled them in properly.”
READ MORE: Snow falls in and around Williams Lake
The impact of the crash was so severe that the front of Lee’s car is gone to the tire. She was going 70 kilometres per hour, but she believes the vehicle that crossed the line was going too fast.
“It happened so fast both mine and my kids’ life flashed before my eyes. After the impact, all I could think about was my kids. I ignored my injuries, broke myself out of the car to get to them and make sure they were OK.”
Lee posted her story on social media as a cautionary tale to other parents, encouraging them to ensure their children are properly protected with seatbelts especially while out travelling the highways this holiday season.
“It’s so important,” she said.
While she recovers, Lee said she has received wonderful support from family and friends.
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Rick White of Central Cariboo Search and Rescue said his crews responded to three calls in Williams Lake Saturday after the snow started to fall and another Sunday morning on Mackenzie Avenue.
Williams Lake RCMP Staff Sgt. Del Byron said area roads were very slippery Saturday, noting police responded to two vehicle incidents north of Williams Lake Saturday.
“(The victims suffered) minor injuries but it could have been much worse,” Byron said.
He cautions motorists to slow down and drive according to the road conditions.
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