Child car seats and
safety belts
There is a lot of
confusion about rules for children travelling in cars, but some facts are
clear: In 2015, 14 children aged 0–11 were killed and 206 seriously injured in
cars!!!
So, what does the law say?
By law, you must
wear a seat belt in cars and goods vehicles where one is fitted. Children must
use a child seat or booster. The driver can be fined if a child under 14 years
does not wear a seat belt or child restraint as required. Anyone 14 and over
not wearing a seat belt, must pay the fine themselves.
Children (up to 12
years of age) up to 135cms tall must use the appropriate child restraint
for their weight (not age) when travelling in the front or back seat of any
car, van or goods vehicle.
A child can use
an adult belt when they reach 135cm or their 12th birthday,
whichever comes first.
Why are child restraints important?
Even in a minor crash, an unrestrained child would be thrown about
inside the vehicle, injuring themselves and others. They could be thrown from
the car through one of the windows.
Advice on child car seats
1.
Always try a child restraint in your
car before you buy it to make sure that it is suitable for your child and that
it fits in your car.
2.
Ask for a demonstration of how to fit
it in the car and how to fasten and unfasten any integral belts or harnesses.
3.
Always follow the instructions
carefully when fitting a child restraint, allowing plenty of time to do it.
4.
If you need help, try the restraint
manufacturer's helpline for advice
5.
Set a good example by wearing a seat
belt yourself even for very short trips
6.
Let your child choose the colour and
pattern once you have found a restraint that fits him or her and the car
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