Thea and Dad: A schoolgirl warns against poorly fastened seat belts in the car

The dramatic accident occurred in the summer of 2022 in Jičín. Thea, like many other children, would now and then pull the top of the belt lower and put it under her armpits. Unfortunately, this also reduces the effectiveness of the three-point belt. Thea’s father, Luboš Kreč, describes what happened then. “Unfortunately, she apparently did the day our car crashed. We don’t know for sure, but it’s likely.” narrates.

The belt nearly cut her in half

“During the impact, the body was mainly restrained by the lower part of the belt, which, however, unfortunately cut Thea in half due to the laws of physics – there was massive damage to the intestines, spine and muscle wall. As the doctor told us, Thea was mainly held together by skin and veins. In addition, she suffered a broken leg, broken arm and also a large gash on her forehead that resembled a scalp,” describes the consequences of the crash.

She stayed in the wheelchair

Thea spent four long months in the hospital. Subsequently, she immediately left for a month and a half at the hospital in Košumberek. In the end, everything was cured and repaired, unfortunately the damage to the spinal cord was very serious and Thea remains in a wheelchair.

But he exercises regularly and fights the situation. “Rehabilitation is a regular part of Thea’s program, a physiotherapist comes to our house twice a week, about 3 times a year we go on a two-week stay in Slovakia, where there is a special rehabilitation fitness center for wheelchair users,” dad explains further.

How hard was it for today’s twelve-year-old girl to cope with being confined to a wheelchair? “It wasn’t much of a problem for me. I mainly tried to focus on the good things that it brought to my life, that’s the main key point in my opinion. To look for the good in everything rather than the bad.” explains Thea herself for Blesk.

She coped with the whole situation thanks to her friends and her sister Emma. “Even though she annoys me a lot, she was always the one who helped me and was there for me from the very beginning” smiles Thea, who loves to read and also draws beautifully.

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They came up with a project

This is also related to the successful Instagram project Thea and Dad, which Luboš Kreč devised for his daughter shortly after the accident. “On the one hand, it was supposed to help Thee overcome a difficult period, on the other hand, with the help of positive content and examples from our lives, to show that it is not the end, that even with a severe disability you can lead a beautiful, happy, successful life,” explains the father’s intention.

And the plan really succeeded, after all, the project has over eighty thousand followers! “And when people write to us that we have inspired them, that we have given them courage and taste, it makes them doubly happy. We want to lead by example and be such a positive role model,” further explains Mr. Luboš.

The project also includes an e-shop where people can choose, for example, a T-shirt decorated with Thea’s pictures. The proceeds from the sale go towards further rehabilitation. “We don’t just want to stand with an outstretched hand, we want to offer something to people for their support, to be active, because that’s how we perceive our situation – if we didn’t do anything, we wouldn’t be nearly where we are.” concludes Luboš Kreč.

With a cheerful mind, Thea also says goodbye to our conversation, who is already most looking forward to the summer holidays, when, as she says, there will finally be no school. And to all who travel by car, this brave lady says: “Enjoy life because we only live once, but buckle up in the car!”

What should you pay attention to when binding older children?

Always keep your little ones busy!
The seat belt must not only be on, but also tightened to provide effective protection. Attention, this is a common mistake when children engage independently. “There is definitely a need to control the way older children are restrained. They don’t always succeed, but they don’t know it.” says transport expert Stanislava Jakešová.
Winter jackets definitely do not belong under the seat belt!
The belt must be passed over the collarbone, sternum and pelvic bones. Pay attention to loosening and crossing at the point where the belt is fastened.
The belt must not pass over or in close proximity to the child’s neck and must not be twisted.
The headrest must be adjusted so that its top is at least two fingers above the level of the head.
When choosing toys for long periods of travel, remember that the toys should be soft so that they do not cause injury in the event of a traffic accident. Beware of solid toys!