7/08/2009

RED ALERT
Parents Urged To Take Child Restraint Action Now
Will you be breaking the law and putting your children at risk of serious injury?

Many parents who are not are aware of new seat belt laws which come into force on 9 November 2009 could find themselves breaking the law and hefty fines, Kidsafe warned today.

President of Kidsafe Victoria Dr Mark Stokes said we are urging anyone transporting children, especially those under 7 years of age, to check how they fit with the new laws and to update their vehicles as soon as possible so they are compliant.

Dr Stokes said the new laws address the issue of appropriate child restraints which has been problematic for many years. They also reduce community confusion about which child restraint to use and preferred seating positions for transporting babies, toddlers and older children in cars.

"Evidence states that correctly fitted and used child restraints can reduce child death and serious injury by up to 70% in the case of a road crash, however studies also suggest that an alarming majority of drivers install or use child restraints incorrectly and prematurely graduate their children to adult seatbelts.

"The new legislation provides clear guidelines and direct legal responsibilities for every driver transporting their own and other people's children.

"The bottom line is that once a child steps into your car you are legally responsible for ensuring the appropriate restraints and seating are fitted to the car.

"We are urging people to take action NOW as the new legislation may be challenging for many parents to comply with and the community should use this time to adapt before the laws come into force."

Enquiries should be directed to: VicRoads www.vicroads.vic.gov.au/childrestraints or call 1300 360 745 or Kidsafe Victoria www.kidsafevic.com.au or call (03) 9251 7725.

The new laws: just a few weeks away.

Media Enquiries:
Dr Mark Stokes, President Kidsafe Vic Mobile: 0408 038 267
Melanie Water, State Manager Kidsafe Mobile: 0421 730 252
Ron Smith, Corporate Media Communications Kidsafe Victora Mobile: 0417 329 201

Frequently Asked Questions

Why are the new laws age-related?
Age was chosen the best guide for parents, as research has shown that parents are far more likely to know the age of their children (especially after the age of twelve months) than they are to know their children's weight. Parents still need to consider height and weight when choosing appropriate restraints as it is most important that the seat is the correct fit. Their child's age is simply the starting point.

What do I do if my child is too big for the restraint recommended for their age group?
While the new legislation covers the majority of children, there are provisions for children who do not fit the recommended restraints by age to be seated in the correct restraint according to their weight and height. This ensures that parents who follow weight and height guidelines will not be penalised under the laws.

Other rules for travelling with children:
* Babies under 6 months who cannot safely be restrained as required by a rearward facing restraint because of their height or weight, may use an approved forward facing restraint with an inbuilt harness.

* Children between 6 months and 4 years who cannot safely be restrained as required by a forward facing restraint because of their height or weight, may use an approved booster seat with a properly fastened and adjusted seatbelt or child harness.

* Children between 4 years and 7 years who cannot safely be restrained as required by an approved booster seat must occupy a seating position that is fitted with a suitable seatbelt; and must wear the seatbelt properly adjusted and fastened. A child harness may be used.

* Children over 7 may use EITHER a suitable approved booster seat and be restrained with a properly fastened and adjusted seatbelt OR use a properly fastened and adjusted seatbelt without a booster. A child harness may be used.

How will the new laws affect me if my children are already appropriately restrained?
The main difference with the new laws is that children are required to be restrained for a longer period of time. This is most likely to affect families with older children who may already have graduated to an adult seatbelt, but are now required by law to be restrained in a booster seat.

Statistics show that children are not safe in adult seatbelts until they reach 140cm in height, or around seven years of age. Under the current rules, many children have been moved into an adult seatbelt well before it fits them correctly. If your child is already in a child restraint appropriate for their age, weight and height, you do not need to change anything.

For children 4-7 years, do I need to use a booster seat with an inbuilt harness?
The rule for 4-7 year olds is that they be restrained in a forward facing restraint with an inbuilt harness or a booster seat. Your child's weight and height will decide whether they need to be moved from a forward facing child restraint with an inbuilt harness up to a booster seat. This rule does not mean that a child aged 4-7 must be in a booster seat with an inbuilt harness.

* Children between 4 years and 7 years who cannot safely be restrained as required by an approved booster seat must occupy a seating position that is fitted with a suitable seatbelt; and must wear the seatbelt properly adjusted and fastened. A child harness may be used. These changes to the law mean I need to buy a new car.

Which cars are best for fitting three child restraints?
There is no list of suitable cars, as suitability will vary according to your family's needs. Contact the car manufacturer for information regarding recommendation for restraints and anchor points, or take your restraints along with you and test them in the car. The RACV may be able to advise too.

Which child restraint is the best?
All child restraints for sale in Australia must meet Australian Standard AS/NZS 1754, which is one of the most stringent in the world. Any seat which meets Australian Standard, and is fitted and used correctly will provide protection in an accident. However, some restraints offer additional features for additional protection. There are some restraints which are narrower, and may fit in your car easier, for eg the Infa Vario Kid or the Safe -n-Sound HiLiner. It is always best to trial the restraint in your car to ensure a correct fit.

When deciding which kind of restraint to select it may help to ask yourself:
* Is it 'approved'? Approved restraints meet the requirements of the Australian/New Zealand Standard AS/NZS 1754 and this should be clear on the packaging and on the restraint itself.

* Will it fit in my car? Some bigger convertible restraints in the rearward position do not fit well in smaller cars. The seat contouring in some cars can affect how well some restraints 'sit' and fit.

* Will other passengers be comfortable with the restraint in place? A bulky restraint, especially in the rearward position can push the front seat so far forward that a passenger is too close to the dash board.

* Will I be able carry more children in restraints in the back seat? Under the new laws all children under age 7 need to use restraints and travel in the back seat. You need to consider how well you can manage this, especially if you plan to have more children. It may be necessary to buy a bigger vehicle.

* Is it easy to use? If you have to move the restraint will you be able to install it easily and correctly in another vehicle? Are the harness straps easy to adjust as the baby grows?

If possible, 'try before you buy' and satisfy yourself the restraint will be suitable for you, your vehicle and your family's circumstances.

What should I look for when choosing a restraint?
* Check that the restraint has the AS/NZS 1754 sticker
* Choose a restraint that is suitable for your child's weight, height and age
* Try the restraint in your vehicle to ensure it fits and sits well on the seat.
* Choose a booster seat with side wings, an adjustable headrest and an anti-submarine clip for additional protection

How will I be able to afford a new child restraint?
Kidsafe understands the new legislation may be challenging for many parents to comply with and the community will need time to adapt. You need to start planning now for any changes you need to make regarding the purchase and placement of child restraints in preparation before the new rules come into effect on 9 November 2009.

Many children will already be in the correct child restraint. Families most affected will be those with older children who may already have moved into adult seat belts, but under the new laws will be required to be restrained in a booster seat.

All child restraints in Australia should conform to the Australian Standard AS 1754. This means that the less expensive child restraints are still safe, and can protect your child in an accident. When purchasing a booster seat, aim for one that has an extending head rest to accommodate your child as they grow. Friends and family may have boosters their children no longer use that you could make use of.

For 4-7 year olds, does 'an approved booster seat which is properly positioned and fastened' mean that the foam boosters without tether straps are now illegal?
No, the foam boosters will not be illegal. 'Properly positioned' refers to the positioning of the seat in the vehicle, and 'fastened' refers to the correct use of the seatbelt or harness. However, foam boosters compress in a crash and children have been known to slide under the seat belt in a crash. If you can find a firmer booster with a back it would provide more protection.

Will the half boosters still be legal to use?
Yes, booster cushions will still be legal to use, but are not recommended as they offer no head protection in a crash - especially in side impacts. However, you cannot be fined for using one.