FARGO, N.D. (NewsDakota.com) – A North Dakota family is sharing their harrowing story of survival after an icy rollover crash on Christmas Eve, hoping to raise awareness about the life-saving importance of seatbelts and proper child restraints.
On Wednesday, Donald and Tanya Bitzan, along with their five children, were honored at the Saved by the Belt Ceremony presented by North Dakota Highway Patrol Sgt. Jeremy Ross, who responded to the crash. The family’s vehicle hit an icy patch while traveling near Tappen, N.D., causing their van to roll over multiple times and land upside down.
Despite the severity of the accident, all five children, Tanya, and her unborn child walked away unharmed, while Donald sustained only minor injuries. The family credits their safety to one thing: buckling up.
“Because of the craziness of the crash… rolling so many times, it was amazing to find the kids were all fine. Scared. Scared and hanging from the ceiling, but fine,” Tanya Bitzan said. “The seatbelts kept them safe, just like they were supposed to.”
The Bitzan family wants to inspire others to prioritize safety by ensuring children are properly restrained every time they get in a vehicle. “It’s worth the effort,” Tanya emphasized. Studies show that more than half of serious accidents occur within 25 miles of home, reinforcing the importance of consistent seatbelt use.
In 2023, almost 75% of car seats checked by certified child passenger safety technicians in North Dakota were found to be misused. Common errors include improperly securing a child or incorrectly installing the car seat in the vehicle. However, when used correctly, child restraints significantly reduce the risk of serious injury and save lives.
To help spread the word, the Bitzan family participated in a public service announcement, sharing a longer version of their story. The PSA is available on the HHS Child Passenger Safety and Vision Zero websites.
Across North Dakota, there are around 300 certified child passenger safety technicians who offer their services to ensure children are safely secured. These professionals help caregivers choose the correct restraint system for their child’s age and size, and verify that it’s properly installed. The free services are offered statewide, covering both rural and urban areas.