One year and two weeks ago, Taylor Johnson was slowing her vehicle for the four-way stop at Markland and Park avenues – and lost consciousness.
According to Kokomo police, a 44-year-old driver rear-ended Johnson’s mid-size truck at a high rate of speed. Johnson’s vehicle sustained heavy damage and nearly rolled over before landing on the driver’s side.
The 44-year-old driver was not wearing a seat belt. He was transported to Howard Regional Health System and admitted. He had a blood-alcohol content of 0.30, police said – more than three times the legal limit.
Johnson was wearing a safety belt. She suffered a large cut on her head.
Her then-2-month-old son was riding with her. He was secured in a child’s safety seat. He suffered minor injuries.
Both were taken to St. Joseph Hospital, where they were treated and released.
Connie Martin read the story of the accident in the Sept. 22, 2008, Kokomo Tribune. It’s laminated and hanging on a wall in her office.
Martin is manager of the AAA Hoosier Motor Club office at 3551 S. LaFountain St. She believes everyone can learn something from Johnson, who at the time of her accident was just 17.
Always secure young children in an age-appropriate safety seat and ensure it’s installed correctly.
The Kokomo AAA office is a “permanent fitting station” of safety seats, Martin said. It is sanctioned by Riley Hospital for Children, Indiana University Medical Center and the Governor’s Council on Impaired and Dangerous Drivers.
She said anyone can stop by the AAA office to have a safety seat properly installed. All one must do is fill out a form.
Child safety seats save lives and prevent serious injuries, but only if they’re used correctly. Just ask Taylor Johnson.
Opinion
Safety seats save lives
- Opinion
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Forever thankful
Monday is Memorial Day, a national holiday to remember those who have died while serving our country.
Memorial Day officially
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Cheers and Jeers - Saturday, May 26, 2012
Thanks for your kindness
Terry Siegrist, a paralegal in Salina, Kan., sends this Cheer:
“The family of the late Esther Sprinkle wishes to send our heartfelt thanks to all who gave so generously of their kindness and sympathy in the death of our beloved mother and grandmother. We especially want to thank those who visited us at the funeral home and sent flowers, cards, memorials or food.
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USPS scales back plans
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Our view: Agency deserves credit for listening to the concerns of customers.
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Sign change is overdue
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Tips on flag etiquette
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Cheers & Jeers - Saturday, May 19, 2012
Carriers collect 19 tons of food
Brian S. Kidwell of Branch 533 of the letter carriers union sends this Cheer:
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Walk a lap, fight cancer
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Program eyes troubled kids
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Editorial - May 15, 2012: Hard work still pays
The issue: The Class of 2012.
Our view: Congratulations on your achievement, graduating high school seniors, and remember to thank those who helped you along the way to success.
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de la Bastide: Indiana, the nation lose true statesman
During his 36 years in the U.S. Senate, Richard Lugar was noted for his ability to compro-mise when it came to legislation impacting the nation, and as a statesman when it came to foreign policy issues.
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Forever thankful




