No, this post isn’t about Halloween. This post is about a lesson we learned on the motorway at 70 mph. This post is about the scariest thing that has ever happened to us. On Tuesday, we drove to Cardiff to review the Red Hot World Buffet. We had a lovely day despite getting a little lost, because we missed a junction. At around half two we made our way back to Bristol. We got into the car, put Amy into her car seat and set off. Nothing special, but after around 15 minutes, when we were at full speed on the motorway, I noticed that Amy was playing with the button for the electric windows. Two seconds later the back door was open!
I just shouted to Ben that the door was open, he had already noticed by then because the light jumped on and it was suddenly rather loud in the car, and he luckily managed to pull onto the hard shoulder before anything could happen. Considering, he only got his driving license two months ago and it was his very first time on the motorway, he was as cool as a cucumber. If he hadn’t reacted that quickly, this trip to Cardiff could have ended in hospital or worse. I don’t even want to think about it.
It all happened because we underestimated Amy. She had never shown any interest in the car doors. She had never played with the door handle nor the button for the electric windows. There were no signs that she’d suddenly feel the urge to pull the handle and open the door, but you can’t ever be sure that curiosity doesn’t suddenly take the better of them. Amy has surprised us in the past and she did it again. As per usual, she was very proud of herself. Whilst I stared at her in panic, she sat in the back of the car giving me the most devilish smile and clapping with pride. You can’t be angry at that, can you?
Children explore and discover. Children try things they have never tried before and children over-step boundaries. As parents we have to expect these things at all times. We didn’t, but believe me from now on we will!
– Day 1 –
Oh my gosh, Carolin! That is so scary! You've convinced me we've got to put the child lock on. I'd never have thought of it without reading this so thanks. So glad Amy's OK. x
Kids are naturally inquisitive little monkeys aren't they? Well done Ben for being so quick to react and Amy is safe.
Blimey, that must have been terrifying! So glad it all ended ok. Good luck for NaBloPoMo. x
goodness that must have been a very scary moment! as you say it doesn't bear thinking about what might have been and well done to ben for reacting as he did.
i do love your pic of Amy the devil child though too cute x
We must have our eyes and ears open.
Our car has on child locks by default lol… When going out with adult friends we still have to open their doors for them, might annoy them now and again, but when you consider the consequences. I don’t want to think about how you felt, you must have been terrified. Well done to your hubby his quick thinking saved the day :0