This week is the National Child Travel Week, to make parents aware of correct car safety for their children at all times. Although most Irish parents are proactive in using car seats for children under six, according to Halfords, car accessories company, as many as 63% admit to not fully knowing the regulations for properly installing a child's car seat.
According to a survey done by the Road Safety Authority (RSA) over 80% or car seats are not installed correctly, that is eight out of ten cars.
Car sets should be used even for the shortest trips you do with your child, the driver is by law always responsible passengers under the age of 17. Because the car has become such an every day commodity, over time we become immune to the dangers. By law any child who is up to 135 cm tall, should always travel in either a correctly fitted car seat or booster seat. To only use an adult belt for a child travelling in a car is not only illegal but will not keep your child safe. 855 children were seriously injured in cars, between 1997 and 2006, and 198 where killed, all aged under 14 years.
Car seats should always be chosen according your child's size and weight, but also so they are compatible with the car or cars you need to fit them into. A car that is loose in a car can increase the risk of whiplash injuries, it should always be secure and not easy to move once the seat belt is fitted. Booster seats should only be used for children that are 150 cm or taller, if your child is shorter the seat belts could seriously injure the neck and throat.
Free fitting
During the National Child Travel Week parents can get free advice and guidance on buying or fitting car seats, at their local Halfords. If you are unsure if your current car seat is adequate and safe for your child, bring it in and get free advice, regardless of the brand or where you bought it. Check for your nearest Halford store. http://www.halfords.ie/
Quick guide on choosing a car seat:
* Choose a car seat appropriate for your child's wight and height
* Head support and wings protect against side impact.
* Keep your child in a rear facing car seat for as long as you can. Always disconnect the airbag when the seat is fitted.
* Make sure the seat fits correctly in your car or cars.
* Seats should have the ECE R44.04 safety code, which means it has passed the required EU safety standard tests.
Do you have any great tips to share?