Skip to content

Lakecity mother and young children recovering after ‘terrifying’ crash

‘It makes me sick to my stomach thinking what could have happened’
14923161_web1_181223-WLT-HwyIncident1
This is all that is left of Robyn Lee’s vehicle after the mother of two young children T-boned a truck that swerved into her lane Saturday, Dec. 22. Lee said her children escaped serious injury because they were properly secured with their seatbelts. Photo submitted

A Williams Lake 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 traveling 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 the Tribune. “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 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.

READ MORE: Humboldt Broncos will advocate for seatbelt use on team buses

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.



Do you have a comment about this story? email:
editor@wltribune.com

Like us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter.



Angie Mindus

About the Author: Angie Mindus

A desire to travel led me to a full-time photographer position at the Williams Lake Tribune in B.C.’s interior.
Read more