Kidsafe Victoria is urging parents to check their child restraints, with research showing an alarming 70 per cent are incorrectly fitted or used.
It’s a horrifying statistic given transport injuries are the most common cause of child injury death and the second most common cause of injury related hospital admission for Australian kids aged 0-14 years.
Kidsafe Victoria wants parents and carers to take advantage of free child restraint safety checks under a state government $4 million package.
Kidsafe Victoria CEO Melanie Courtney said it was important child car restraints were correctly fitted and adjusted on every trip, no matter how long or short.
“Whether you are off on a long road trip or simply heading around the corner to visit family and friends, it is important that the restraint your child is travelling in is the right size for them, correctly fitted to the vehicle and properly adjusted and fastened to fit them,” Ms Courtney said.
Research shows a correctly fitted and appropriately sized child restraint can seriously decrease the risk of serious injury or death in a collision.
Common misuse issues with child restraints include:
– Twisted and loose harnesses
– Tether straps not being used correctly
– Loose and incorrectly fitted seatbelts
Kidsafe Victoria has a ‘Find A Fitter’ website that allows parents and carers to easily search for credible child restraint fitters in their local area. These fitters can assist them to ensure their child restraints are correctly installed and being used correctly.
Kidsafe Victoria says the listing is critical for quality assurance and peace of mind for families, as there is currently no mandated national training system which child car restraint fitters need to undertake in order to become qualified.
Parents and carers can search for a credible child restraint fitter by visiting www.findafitter.com.au
