There is nothing greater than having a baby come into your life. They turn your life upside down, permanently, and most of us would not have it any other way. So it is natural to assume that most parents would do anything within their power to ensure the safety of these precious little people. 

When I started this project it was because I could see the potential for a silly mistake to become a horrendous loss. I was a typical first time mum, and self admitted neurotic. I did everything I could to ensure my baby stayed out of harms way, and followed to the book(s) what he needed at every stage. 

When he was born we stretched our selves to buy a new car that we considered safe, and the best child restraint to go in it. We took lessons on how to install it and how to put him in securely. 

On my birthday he had his first sleep over at his nana's and we went out with friends to celebrate. I was actually pregnant with his sister, so was nominated skipper for the evening. At the end of the night I drove some friends home, and unbeknown to us one of them undid the seatbelt anchoring his child restraint when they were undoing their own.

The next day I drove to mum's to pick up my boy and put him into his chair, never thinking to look over the other side at the primary anchor point, the seat belt, ensuring my child's safety.

I drove across the freeway at 100kph and when I took the exit he screamed. I looked into the rear view mirror to see my son flying across the backseat. Luckily he was ok, we were both frightened though, and I reinstalled his seat with him in it, and cars whizzing by.

I scoured the shops to find what seemed an obvious product but there was nothing to protect this crucial anchor point. Soon after it happened again, to an acquaintance, only her grand daughter was not so lucky. They had an accident and the bub was catapulted into the vehicles interior. She ended up in hospital with head injuries.

This led me to invent the Hurphy Durphy Seat Belt Buckle Guard. It took months, and had to be assessed by the Motor Vehicle Certification Board for sale in Australia and New Zealand. It is now available across the country.

Over this time, I have read many stats and heard many stories that serve to reinforce my commitment to this project. I am not prepared to take the risk. My children are more important than anything else in my life. I wont leave their safety to chance. The chance that the seat belt buckle may come undone while they travel in my car. It is a risk that I can eliminate, so I have!

Author Imogen Mirmikidis is the inventer of the Hurphy Durphy belt buckle.