Seat belts
Every year thousands of children are killed or injured in road crashes. Most of these tragedies could have been avoided by the correct use of seat belts, child restraints and baby restraints.
Although most adults have become accustomed to wearing a seat belt, which is compulsory in many parts of the world, many parents seem to take a less sensible attitude where children are concerned. It is important to remember that children are not safe just because they are in the back of a car; and that accidents happen on short trips, at low speeds and to the most careful drivers.
Babies up to around 9 kg (between birth and about 6 months old) need to be placed in a baby restraint. These are fitted in the rear of the car, which must be equipped with special anchorage points. It is a good idea to do this before the baby is born, as its first car trip will probably be the ride home from hospital.
Once the child is at the crawling/toddling stage (about 8 kg-18 kg, or 6 months to 4 years), it should use a child seat. Again these are specially designed and fitted. Child seats should be used until the child no longer fits — usually when the child's shoulders are too broad for the seat or the child's head is above the back of the child seat.
For older children (usually in the 14 kg-32 kg range) the safest seating is a booster seat, in conjunction with a standard lap/sash seat belt. Booster seats raise the child to window level. They are not attached to the car, but are held in place by the seat belt. They should not be used with lap-only seat belts. Children should use these until their eyes are at the same level as the top of the car seat. At this time they can use adult seat belts, adjusted to fit properly.
Other important messages
- Pregnant women should always wear a seat belt. Fears that the unborn child may be injured by pressure from the seat belt in an accident are unfounded. Research has shown that a correctly worn seat belt is the best way to protect mother and baby.
- Never put 2 children, or an adult and a child, in the same seat belt.
- Always follow manufacturers' instructions when fitting child seats and restraints.
- Check you have an approved brand and be especially careful when buying second hand equipment.
- Teach your children ALWAYS to wear a seat belt or restraint.
Last Reviewed: 08 May 2002
