Safely seated?
About the new child car seat laws
Latest statistics have shown that 2 out of 3 parents are confused
about the new regulations affecting child restraints in cars and one in
3 mothers were completely unaware of the new laws. Read on to find out
what the new laws are and how they could affect you.
 
When do the new regulations come into effect?
The new laws will be introduced on Monday 18th September 2006.
Why do we need them?
The regulations have been brought in so that the UK complies with an
EU Directive. Stephen Ladyman, Road Safety Minister, believes that the
new laws will save up to 2000 child deaths and injuries every year.
"Most people make sure that children use some kind of restraint when
travelling on the road, but it is vitally important to use the right one
and not to use an adult belt before the child is big enough," he said.
"Small children need the protection that baby seats and child seats
are designed to provide. Seat belts are designed for adults. Children
who have grown out of child seats still need to use booster seats and
booster cushions." Boosters, cushions and child seats all ensure the seatbelt
is correctly fitted across a child's chest to prevent damage to soft tissues
in the event of a collision.
How do they differ from the current law?
At present, all groups of children have been covered by a clause which
says children aged 11 or under must be in a child seat 'if this is available.'
This means that no crime has been committed unless a child seat is fitted
and the child is not using it. Once the new regulations come into effect
it will be against the law for a child to travel in a car without an EU
approved child car restraint appropriate for their age.
How do I know which restraint to use for my child?
The new regulations say all children up to the age of 12 years and less
than 4 feet 5 inches (135cm) tall must use appropriate EU approved car
restraints. Age related regulations are as follows:
- 0-2 years Can travel in the front or back of a car only with
a European Union safety approved child seat. The use of rear-facing
restraints is prohibited where there is a front active air-bag.
- 3 years Must use a child restraint in the rear seats if the
car has seat belts.
- 4-6 years Must use a booster seat suitable for their height
- 6-12 years up to a height of 4 ft 5 inches (135cm) Must use
a booster cushion suitable for raising them to a height where the seatbelt
crosses the correct part of their chest.
If you are about to buy a car seat - here
are some important points to remember.
What if my child refuses to go in his seat?
If you are unable to get your child to sit in an appropriate restraint
or you refuse to co-operate with the new regulations, police have the
power to fine you £30 on the spot. However, should a case end up in Court,
you could be fined up to £500.See below for some Tips for older children
who may have to return to using a car seat.
What if it's an emergency and I don't have a seat?
The Department for Transport has said the new law does provide an exemption
for parents faced with an 'unexpected necessity'. If you can show you
are in a one-off situation you may avoid being fined for example:
- An unexpected trip to the doctors or hospital
- Having a child at short notice, for example picking up a friend's
child on the school run.
- Having 3 children in the car but only room for 2 car seats.
- Travelling in a licensed taxi.
Do the same rules apply to family and friends picking up my child?
Yes, grannies, childminders etc are not exempt - the rules apply to everyone
regardless of whether or not the child is theirs. The exemptions also
apply, for example if you ask a friend or relative at short notice to
pick up your child and they don't have a car seat.
Tips for older tots who may have to return to using a car seat
Claire Halsey, clinical psychologist and expert on ITV1's 'Driving Mum
& Dad Mad', has developed a series of tips to help parents get older kids
back into booster seats and make for an altogether safer car journey.
Claire says: "If your child has been used to using an adult seat belt,
but as a result of the new regulations needs to go back to a child seat,
the challenge to a parent will be in finding ways to encourage this without
tears and tantrums!"
WORK IT OUT TOGETHER Encourage your child to research whether
they need a booster seat. Finding out the facts together will help prevent
them from feeling they are being treated like 'babies'
KEEP THEM BUSY! Have a selection of books, magnetic or computer
games to play with in the car which will keep them entertained and will
distract them from the fact they are in a car or booster seat
PERSONALISE THE SEAT Let your child choose their booster seat
from a selection that meet the new guidelines. By choosing the colour
and style and allowing them to decorate it with stickers this will encourage
them to feel happy to use their seat and they can enjoy showing it off
to friends and family. See
out selection here
EXPLAIN SAFETY TO CHILDREN Keep it simple and say: "We all put
our seat belts on in the car to keep us safe." And remind them that being
safe in the car is a lot like wearing a cycle helmet when they are out
on their bikes!
MAKE IT A RESPONSIBILITY When there is more than one child in
the car, encourage the older ones to teach younger ones by example. This
differentiates them from younger siblings and will make them feel more
adult and responsible
PULL OVER IF CHILDREN UNBUCKLE Park and wait until all seat belts
are safely fastened again. Keep on stopping every time they unbuckle,
until children get the idea that belts off means a very slow trip!
Where can I find out more?
We have tried and tested:
babyworld.co.uk offers a car seat fitting service. To take
advantage of our free by appointment only service call: 01491 821877.
Find out more about our new demo unit
The Department for Transport has more information on the new child restraint
regulations on their website at www.dft.gov.uk
The
babyworld shop offers a range of car seats in all groups.
Where to next?
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