Free, expert child car seat fittings and safety checks are coming to a location near you.
It’s part of the State Government’s Safe Seats, Safe Kids program, which was officially launched on Thursday 16 January.
Kidsafe Victoria and Neighbourhood Houses Victoria will provide free car seat fittings and safety checks in every local government area across Victoria at various locations including neighbourhood houses and community centres.
At these events, professional fitters will inspect child car seats to make sure they’re installed and being used correctly. Parents and carers will also be provided with information on how to check if their precious cargo is travelling safely.
Around 70 percent of child car restraints are not fitted or used correctly – making injury up to seven times more likely.
Kidsafe Victoria data revealed the risk of life-threatening injuries in a car accident can be four to six times greater if a child is seated in a poorly installed restraint.
On average, six children under the age of 13 are killed, and around 160 are seriously injured in vehicles on Victorian roads each year.
“The data tells us that kids are far more likely to be injured if they’re in a poorly-installed restraint. That’s why it’s crucial they are in seats that are checked by the experts,” said Minister for Health Jenny Mikakos.
“I urge all parents and carers to take advantage of this landmark program – it will help keep kids safe and give them the important peace of mind that their children are properly secured.”
Parents and carers can register their interest to attend a child car seat safety check session at kidsafevic.com.au/road-safety/free-child-car-restraint-checking-program/
