New child car seat lawsLatest 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:
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:
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 seatClaire 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:
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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