With the half term holidays underway, the Department of Infrastructure’s Road Safety Team wishes to remind parents about in car safety.
The law states that all children under the age of 12 and under 1.35m/4’5” in height must travel in the correct child restraint when they are in cars registered after 1April 1987. Children 12 years and over regardless of height must as a minimum use an adult seatbelt but should ideally use the correct restraint for their height and weight.
Mr Leonard Singer, MHK Member for Highways said:
'The most important and precious thing you can carry in your vehicle is a child. It is vital that children are carried safely and in appropriate safety seats that have been specifically designed for their smaller size and weight. Adult seatbelts are not suitable for children under 4ft 5ins/1.35m and could cause serious damage to internal organs during a collision. Drivers need to be aware that any child travelling in their car is their responsibility and it is vitally important that they ensure that their car is fitted with the correct restraints.'
Gordon Edwards Road Safety Manager added:
'The safety of our children should be the most important thing for us all. Despite all the messages we give out about road safety, some drivers still think that children do not need child seats or restraints - in some cases, drivers allow children to be carried without any sort of restraint at all. You don’t need to be involved in an accident for this to be a fatal mistake- if you have to brake sharply a child that is not properly restrained could be very badly hurt. Please remember that every passenger needs their own seat and ensure that all the children are travelling in the correct child restraint. If you have any queries about the law you can download the Department of Infrastructure’s leaflet or contact the Road Safety Team for help. A campaign poster can also be downloaded from the web site if you want to help us get this important message across.'