Another child seriously injured wearing "Crocs" at Atlanta airport (home, dangerous)

[rswlguy]

I heard very recently another unattended small child was injured on one of the escalators at the Atlanta airport. Apparently they were playing in the Concourse, on the escalators wearing 'croc' shoes (or slip offs). The child lost part of a toe. The parent apparently was "too busy" on their cellphone to watch after their youngster.

Two weeks ago there was rumor about another unattended child was wearing shoes with "rollers" in the heels (not sure what they are called?). He skidded into an elderly person, knocked them over ... the elderly was rushed to Grady w/hip fracture. The child ended up w/concussion and a broken finger. Parent was in the bar drinking at the time?

I've seen new signs all over the airport stating that "Children should not be left unattended" at any time. They are at every entrance to the concourse escalators, connecting trains and jetways.

What is with parents today? Responsibility is a 'dirty' word amongst many hot topics today, but 'parenthood'? How could they do that? I've seen some stupid things involving the negligent safety of a child over the years, but these incidents give a whole new meaning to 'irresponsible'?

I believe it is child endangerment; how can a little child determine what is best for him to wear while travelling? OR what is dangerous to them in a vey busy place? Those parents need to GO TO JAIL.

The FAA/TSA has numerous suggestions on what to wear, what NOT to wear, proper footwear, etc., etc. Does any parent read or take interest in their child's safety in the busiest airport in the country?

[kaday]

Escalators are dangerous for small children regardless of what they are wearing on their feet. With me standing one step below my daughter (5 at the time) with all of our bags, she lost her balance and would have gone over the side had it not been for a quick thinking employee of Newark Airport. He dashed up the elevator and grabbed her.I was hanging on to bags and my other daughter and was strggling to get to her. And she was wearing sneakers at the time.

We had an incident at security a few years back after 9/11, My child just a toddler got ahead of us and started running through the gate. Security physically blocked me from chasing after her. It was very tense.

Parenst should be more responsible but it can de very difficult traveling with lots of kids in tow. I travel solo with my kids all the time and it can be tough. And I only have 2!

[NCN]

Originally Posted by rswlguy

I heard very recently another unattended small child was injured on one of the escalators at the Atlanta airport. Apparently they were playing in the Concourse, on the escalators wearing 'croc' shoes (or slip offs). The child lost part of a toe. The parent apparently was "too busy" on their cellphone to watch after their youngster.

Two weeks ago there was rumor about another unattended child was wearing shoes with "rollers" in the heels (not sure what they are called?). He skidded into an elderly person, knocked them over ... the elderly was rushed to Grady w/hip fracture. The child ended up w/concussion and a broken finger. Parent was in the bar drinking at the time?

I've seen new signs all over the airport stating that "Children should not be left unattended" at any time. They are at every entrance to the concourse escalators, connecting trains and jetways.

What is with parents today? Responsibility is a 'dirty' word amongst many hot topics today, but 'parenthood'? How could they do that? I've seen some stupid things involving the negligent safety of a child over the years, but these incidents give a whole new meaning to 'irresponsible'?

I believe it is child endangerment; how can a little child determine what is best for him to wear while travelling? OR what is dangerous to them in a vey busy place? Those parents need to GO TO JAIL.

The FAA/TSA has numerous suggestions on what to wear, what NOT to wear, proper footwear, etc., etc. Does any parent read or take interest in their child's safety in the busiest airport in the country?

Good luck with those "Children should not be left unattended" signs. Parents do not know what they mean. Some parents just think they should be in the same building. I would have liked to explain to a parent that if they could not reach out and touch the child, the child was unattended. We have a generation of parents who think that everything that happens to their children is the responsiblility of someone else. It is your child, take care of it and there should not have to be a sign telling you how that is done. Use your brain!

[rswlguy]

Originally Posted by kaday

Escalators are dangerous for small children regardless of what they are wearing on their feet. With me standing one step below my daughter (5 at the time) with all of our bags, she lost her balance and would have gone over the side had it not been for a quick thinking employee of Newark Airport. He dashed up the elevator and grabbed her.I was hanging on to bags and my other daughter and was strggling to get to her. And she was wearing sneakers at the time.

We had an incident at security a few years back after 9/11, My child just a toddler got ahead of us and started running through the gate. Security physically blocked me from chasing after her. It was very tense.

Parenst should be more responsible but it can de very difficult traveling with lots of kids in tow. I travel solo with my kids all the time and it can be tough. And I only have 2!

I would help you out any day of the week! I recently helped a travelling Mom with "twin boys" toddlers and (I believe) 5 and 8yo girls. They were moving, Dad had gone ahead ... she had "double" stroller and all sorts of stuff. I don't know how she managed w/o help.

I truly wish that every airport had some kind of "travellers aid" stations before TSA security and in the airport itself. I know that they exist in some places, but certainly not enough.

You had a couple scares and handled it well and were very fortunate.

[kaday]

Thanks. Fortunately there are helpful people around. I think I was judgemental of how other people handled their children and then I had some of my own. Now I get it. Thankfully we are past the double stroller, pack and play, diaper bag etc. Those days (at the airport) were really a challenge! Now they charge for checking luggage, what a shame for the Mom on a budget with young kids and all that gear in tow.

[jamesandveybe]

Some parents should have their toes removed.

[rswlguy]

Originally Posted by kaday

Thanks. Fortunately there are helpful people around. I think I was judgemental of how other people handled their children and then I had some of my own. Now I get it. Thankfully we are past the double stroller, pack and play, diaper bag etc. Those days (at the airport) were really a challenge! Now they charge for checking luggage, what a shame for the Mom on a budget with young kids and all that gear in tow.

You are most welcome. Thinking about several situations in the past, I've seen single "Moms" travelling alone w/o spouse becoming a little 'intimidated' to ask for help - perhaps because today's airports with all the security, barriers, walkways, etc. seem a little less than inviting. Single Dad's are even more reluctant to ask someone for a hand.

I fortunately (or unfortunately) have been around for many years in the environment so I see what can happen and always proactively "step up" and get the simple "extra hand" that someone needs.

Extra charges? Yes I know. Can't really comment, but I don't like it anymore than the next traveller! Once again, best 2 u...

[rswlguy]

Originally Posted by NCN

Good luck with those "Children should not be left unattended" signs. Parents do not know what they mean. Some parents just think they should be in the same building. I would have liked to explain to a parent that if they could not reach out and touch the child, the child was unattended. We have a generation of parents who think that everything that happens to their children is the responsiblility of someone else. It is your child, take care of it and there should not have to be a sign telling you how that is done. Use your brain!

Thanks for your input. Would you believe the signs are about 5-6 feet tall! They are VERY imposing and DIRECT! I do hope it helps, hate to see a child get injured needlessly. Best 2 U for your important thoughts...

[atlantagreg30127]

Hey, what about people who leave a kid BEHIND at the airport and don't even know they're missing?? Story: Echoes of Home Alone as family leave girl at airport | World news | guardian.co.uk

Regarding Crocs... it's been widely reported across the U.S. that these shoes can be dangerous on kids riding escalators or moving sidewalk devices. So, the parents still let them wear them, and still don't watch them in a busy airport, then act surprised when something like this happens. DUH.

I was getting a haircut yesterday and a kid was wearing Crocs when he got in the barber's chair - as the chair was raised the shoes got caught in the hydrolic thing. Kid wasn't hurt, but it shows how these things are disasters waiting to happen. Plastic shoes - geez.

[kaday]

Mercy! Crocs are so ugly I can't imagine anyone liking them. It is kind of like the old duck boots....................so ugly yet so popular. I don't get it.