KIDSAFE
Does Your Car Comply With the New Child Restraint Laws?
Only One Day Left
Media Enquiries:
Dr Mark Stokes National President Kidsafe Mobile: 0408 038 267
Ron Smith Kidsafe Media Communications 0417 329 201
Media Release Nov 7
th
2009
Kidsafe has urged all parents or people transporting children to make themselves aware of
new child restraint laws which come into force ON MONDAY .
Evidence states that correctly fitted and used child restraints can reduce child
death and serious injury by up to 70% in the case of a road crash. However
studies also suggest that an alarming majority of drivers install or use child
restraints and booster seats incorrectly and prematurely graduate their children
to adult seatbelts. Road safety incidents remain the leading cause of death in
young children.
Dr Mark Stokes President of Kidsafe Victoria said, “Many parents, grandparents or people
who share the role of transporting other people’s children to school, may not be aware
that their vehicles may need to be fitted with new or more restraints to comply.”
The new laws which come in MONDAY also clearly state where children are allowed to ride
in the vehicle; this may require parents to change their current behaviour.
Dr Stokes said Kidsafe supported the new laws which will further help protect children if
the vehicle is involved in a crash.
The law will require all children under the age of 7 to use a child restraint or booster seat
(depending on their age) and travel in the back seat.
For many families with school age children this raises a number of questions such as:
Does this mean my 6 year old will have to go back to using a booster seat?
How can I carry four children under age 7 legally and safely?
My 5 year old is too heavy for a booster. What do we do?
Dr Stokes said Kidsafe Victoria is providing free 20 minute information sessions on the
new child restraint laws, specifically targeting parents of children in the 4-7 year age
bracket.
These can be arranged in your local school/kindergarten/child care centre ; for further
details contact Kidsafe on 9251 7725 or email on info@kidsafevic.com.au.
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