Spotlight on child car seat safety

9 April 2010

More than 80 per cent of child car seats failed during recent safety checks carried out by Derby and Derbyshire Road Safety Partnership.

Partnership chairman Mike Ashworth said: “Seats must be fitted properly to offer maximum protection. It’s vital that motorists who travel with youngsters understand the importance of choosing the right seat and fitting it correctly. Drivers can contact us for a free guide to choosing and fitting child car seats.”
 
Mike added: “Worryingly, the police had to fine a handful of drivers because they were carrying children who were not wearing restraints of any kind.  Travelling without a seatbelt is dangerous and puts youngsters at serious risk.”    

A total of 159 seats were inspected by police and council workers during the five-week checking period.  Drivers with badly-fitted seats were shown how to make them safe.

For a free guide to choosing and fitting car seats, contact Vanessa Ball on 01629 538060 (vanessa.ball@derbyshire.co.uk) or Diane Elliott on 01332 641753 (diane.elliott@derby.gov.uk).