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Statement of Kathy Lakey, Juror in Jamaal Walker Case

April 23, 2002

As a mother, nurse and concerned citizen, I wasn’t aware of the possibility of serious injury from three-point seat belts until Jamaal’s trial.

After listening to all the expert testimony, I’m convinced that if these experts put their heads together along with the engineers working for car manufacturers, they could develop a seat belt safe for all possible crash scenarios.

It really bothered me when I heard that Ford knew for years that there was a safety problem for children 4 to 8 years old. They even developed an integrated car seat that would provide the protection children needed. But Ford was motivated to develop the seat only because the competition -- Chrysler -- produced one. Plus, Ford made the seat available only as an option for one of their models.

Why can’t car manufacturers on their own develop safety features because they want the best, safest car out there instead of doing the bare minimum the government requires? Ford’s solution to the seat belt issue was to suggest that the child ride in the back center seat with a lap belt only, or to position the child close to the buckle -- approaches that aren’t really solving the problem.

Another thing that bothered me was that sled testing and crash testing evidence at trial showed the many inadequacies of seat belts and most store-bought booster seats.

I put my faith in the car manufacturers and the government regulations requiring a certain standard. I expect that the car I buy will provide me with optimal safety features, and I expect in the case of an accident to experience no life-threatening injuries or death. The car I drive should keep my family safe, especially in my daily activities going to school, church, errands and work.

When the trial ended, I felt I couldn’t be silent. I am here today because I believe something must be done. I’m pleased Jamaal received a settlement. Any car manufacturer should be held accountable for negligence.

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Kathy Lakey was a juror in Jamaal’s case. After the case ended, she spoke about the need for auto manufacturers to improve restraint systems for children ages 4 to 8. Mrs. Lakey is a nurse and has three children.

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