June 14, 2004

By: Davina White
Website: http://www.1st-in-babies.com

Fitting Of Child Seats – Tests Show 60 Percent Failure Rate

Eight safety checks were carried out across the County when a total of 365 child seats were examined. 216 seats failed to meet the relevant safety standards.

Reasons for failure included poorly or incorrectly fitted seats, seats that were incompatible with the car, seats that were made to the old standard or those that had previously been involved in an accident. 92% of the seats checked were new and 8% were second hand.

The campaign aimed to raise awareness of the importance of in-car safety for children and help parents discover whether they are doing everything they can to prevent their child from being injured in a road accident.

Following the campaign, the Trading Standards Service and Road Safety Team are offering the following advice:<

• * never use a car seat which has been involved in a road crash
• * never use a second hand seat if you do not know its history
• * never use a rear-facing baby seat in the front of a car fitted with a front passenger air bag
• * make sure the seat is suitable for both the car and the child. Check the cars instruction manual and / or consult your dealer
• * always read the instructions and make sure that the seat is fitted correctly
• * try the seat before you buy.

Brian Johnson, Head of Trading Standards in East Sussex, said Research has shown that many parents are not confident about the fitting of child seats and that many don’t realise the seat isn’t fitted properly until they are involved in an accident and their child gets injured. This Trading Standards initiative is an important contribution to child safety on local roads.

Lead County Council Cabinet Member for Community Safety, Councillor Bob Tidy, commented: It is absolutely crucial that anybody who drives with young children should ensure they are protected in a properly fitted car seat.

Children are still at risk of being killed and injured in cars because they are not properly restrained. That means checking every time that they are seated in a restraint and that the restraint is correctly fitted. Even on the shortest of journeys, time spent checking could prevent the horrendous consequences of a serious accident.

Also see; baby car seat.

About The Author:

Davina White is a successful author and regular contributor to http://www.1st-in-babies.com.  Taking care of your babies needs including safety, toys, health and baby products.