RoSPA Press Office : Press Release

April 7, 2004
RoSPA VIDEO TO CURB CHILD CAR SEAT FITTING PROBLEMS

The Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents has produced a video to show parents how to choose and fit child car seats correctly, after a survey revealed that half of the respondents were unable to find any advice or assistance on the subject.

The video - Choosing and Fitting Child Car Seats - has been made available to UK road safety officers to use in helping parents to overcome the problem. It tells buyers what they should be looking for and what questions they need to ask.

The video has been produced with support from the Department for Transport. The Society is also responsible for an award-winning website, www.childcarseats.org.uk, which is dedicated to helping parents choose child seats that are suitable for their children and their vehicles. It can also be used to direct people to local sources of help and advice.

Kevin Clinton, RoSPA Head of Road Safety, said: “This Easter many people will go out on day trips or journeys to see family and friends. We don’t want these trips to be ruined by injuries that could easily be avoided.

“Parents should ensure that children always travel in an approved child restraint that is suitable for their size and weight, and which is securely fitted in the car. Older children can use the seat belt on its own, but only if they are 1.5 metres (about 5ft) or taller.

“It’s also essential that the child seats are properly fitted. If a child car seat is fitted badly, it will not do its job properly, and could fail to protect a child in a crash.

“Surveys have shown that around 70 per cent of child car seats are fitted incorrectly. Sound advice in this area is invaluable, as every year around 40 children under 12-years-old are killed while travelling in cars.”

For detailed advice on fitting and using child restraints, visit RoSPA’s website: www.childcarseats.org.uk