Stressing about car seats and seat belts at times appear a little tedious, but these things are well worth the worry. Proper safety restraints can drastically reduce the likelihood of severe injury or death during a traffic accident. In 2019 there were 13,584 child casualties due to road traffic accidents. In April 2020, there was a reduction in the number of casualties observed for children (aged 15 or under) due to the COVID-19 travel restrictions. The department of transport will release a more detailed breakdown in June 2021.
These figures tell us that it is better to be safe than sorry when it comes to child safety. Children are much more vulnerable than adults in a car, so taking time to make you use the correct child seat or booster correctly could save your child’s life. Drivers and passengers are more likely to be killed or seriously injured when they do not wear a seat belt. Adult seat belts are not designed for children as they do not correctly sit across their bodies. It is essential to highlight that all children have an appropriate car seat or seat belt. If a child is not in the right booster or car seat, they can be injured by the seat belt in a crash. A child’s age, weight, and height can all play a factor when determining proper safety, so it is vital to keep up-to-date with all current regulations and suggestions.
What is the current law:
The current law and government guidance for child car seats can be found here.
Need more guidance on choosing a car seat?
References:
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