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In-car safety for children
Keeping your new baby safe in the car
The West of Scotland Road Safety Forum has produced a
leaflet aimed at expectant mums and their partners. We want to provide parents-to-be with advice
that will allow them to make informed choices about their
child's safety in the car.
Choosing a baby car seat
When choosing your baby's first car seat remember that not
all car seats will fit all cars - check to see if the shop
has a trained fitter. Take your car with you when buying a
car seat and ask the trained fitter to fit the seat in the
car. Make sure that you also know how to fit the seat yourself.
Checking
the fit
Surveys have shown that over half of child car seats are not fitted
correctly. It's important you make sure the seat is suitable
for your child and your car - your child's life could depend
on it.
-
Read the maker's instructions carefully and keep
them in a safe place in case you need them again.
- When
the seat is fitted properly you should not be able to shake
it or move it about.
- If
the seat is not a secure fit try it in another position
in the car.
- The
seatbelt buckle should not touch the frame of the baby seat.
- If
for any reason you are unhappy with the fit go back to the
shop.
Second hand? Second thoughts!
A second hand car seat might save you money but you could
be putting your baby in danger.
If you are going to be using a second hand car seat, check:
- Has
the seat been in a car that has been in a crash? It might
look all right but there could be hidden damage.
- Do
you know how to fit it according to the instructions?
- Does
the seat meet the latest safety standards?
The Law
It is the driver’s responsibility to ensure that all
children under the age of 14 are properly restrained in to the
car. Seatbelt/Child restraint wearing requirements from the 18th September 2006 are:-
|
Front
seat
|
Rear
seat
|
Who
is responsible?
|
| Child up to 3 years old |
Correct child restraint MUST be used |
Correct child restraint MUST be used.
If a restraint is not available in a licensed taxi/private hire vehicle, the child may travel unrestrained. |
Driver |
| Child
from 3rd birthday up to 135cms in height (or 12th birthday whichever they reach first) |
Correct child restraint MUST be used |
Where seat belts are fitted, the correct child restraint MUST be used. The child must use adult belt if the correct child restraint is not available as follows:
- in a licensed taxi or private hire vehicle; or
- for a short distance in an unexpected necessity; or
- two occupied child restraints prevent fitment of a third
A child under 3 years and over may travel unrestrained in the rear seat of a vehicel if seat belts are not fitted in the rear. |
Driver |
| Child
over 1.35 metres (approx 4'5") in hieght or 12 or 13 years old |
Seat belt MUST be worn if available |
Seat belt MUST be worn if available |
Driver |
| Passengers aged 14 years old and over |
Seat belt MUST be worn if available |
Seat belt MUST be worn if available |
Passenger |
Further regulations will come into force: From May 2008, all child restraints must comply with the UN ECE 44.03 standard
(or subseqent versions). Child seats to the 44.03 standard have been on sale for many years.
Babies
up to nine months or 10kg (22lbs) should never be carried
in a rear facing baby carrier or child seat in a car that
has a front passenger air-bag fitted. Never carry a child
in your arms in the front or back seat - in a crash the baby
will be thrown out of your arms.
Visit: www.protectchild.co.uk
Pregnant women
Seatbelts must be worn, unless exempt on medical grounds.
Place shoulder strap between the breasts. Ensure the lap strap
of the belt is positioned under the baby, across the thighs.
If travelling as a passenger in the front of a car fitted
with air bags, push your seat as far back as practical. Ideally
you should sit in the back seat if it has been fitted with
diagonal seat belts.
NEVER use a rearward facing carrier or rearward facing
child seat on the front seat in a car with a passenger air
bag. |
