Every year many children are injured or killed in car crashes. Some of these injuries could be prevented or reduced if all children occupy the right restraint for their size and weight and if the restraint is installed & used correctly. “Safer Child Restraints”, Roads & Traffic Authority NSW."
Clearly there's a need for greater public awareness about correct child restraint fitting. Previously, it was difficult for parents to find a place certified to fit their child restraints.
As a result many parents fit their own baby capsules and child seats. It's obvious that they make mistakes fitting the restraints themsleves, and children are often placed in restraints inappropriate for their size. Parents are unknowingly putting their children's lives at risk.
- The single biggest cause of death and injury to children in Australia is road accidents.
- Road trauma accounts for 40% of childhood deaths.
- The major cause of road trauma is the child not wearing a proper restraint or seatbelt.
- Research has shown that approved and properly fitted child restraints may reduce the risk of death or serious injury in road crashes by up to 70% (Source: Kidsafe QLD Inc.).
- Research has shown approved and properly fitted child restraints may reduce the risk of death or serious injury in road crashes by up to 70% (Kidsafe WA Inc.).
- Tyres & More found that 38 of 40 child restraints were fitted incorrectly in a 2009 vehicle safety check.
- Fitting a child restraint yourself is not as easy as it seems. The Simple Guide to Child Restraints published by the Australian Transport Safety Bureau is 17 pages long!
- The Tyres and More national network is trained by Mobility Engineering, ACRI (Australian Child Restraint Resource Initiative) or Roadwise WA.
Tyres & More believe we can improve child safety in vehicles by offering certified child restraint fitting and increasing public awareness.
- To ensure children under 12 are as safe as possible in the event of a car crash it is vital they are travelling in a child restraint suitable for their body size and weight. It is also vital that the seat is fitted properly so it performs as it should.
- Child restraints must have the Australian Standards mark to show they comply with strict standards in materials, design, construction, performance, testing and labelling.
- Be careful when buying or using a second-hand child restraint. If it has been damaged, in a crash or is more than 10 years old it should not be used.
- Child restraints should be fitted in the back seat of the car.
- Infants from birth to under nine kilos should always be placed in a rear-facing restraint.
For more information download the Child Restraint Fitting Fact Sheet.
If you’re not completely confident in the fitment of your child restraint Tyres and More stores are certified to do it from just $35.
Note. Tyres and More is a growing network. It can take time to have new stores booked into the child restraint fitting training program. Please check with your nearest Tyres and More store to ensure they've had child restraint training before you book in for a fitting.
Disclaimer.
This information has been compiled from public sources including the RTA and other government agencies. The information is supplied as a public service for educational purposes only. It is meant as a guide only and will not qualify you to install or service a restraint fitting. To properly select, install and service a child restraint that is appropriate for your child and vehicle, use only qualified child restraint specialists.