Free safety checks on child car seats
Published: 21 Apr 2021 8:42am
Wagga Wagga City Council is encouraging parents, grandparents, and carers to take advantage of free child car seat safety checks later this month.
Research shows two out of three child restraints are not being used correctly.
Council, in partnership with Transport for NSW, has teamed up with authorised child restraint fitter, Cotmakers, to hold the child restraint checking day on Wednesday 28 April.
“This is a great opportunity for parents, expectant parents, carers, and grandparents to have their child seat professionally checked,” Council’s Road Safety Officer Emma Reynolds said.
“Some seats are being shared from one car to another and because of this, they can become loose.
“Proper use of car safety seats helps keep children safe.”
The suggested minimum height to use an adult lap-sash seatbelt is 145cm.
Children aged between seven and 16 who are too small to be restrained by a properly adjusted and fastened seatbelt are strongly recommended to use an approved booster seat.
Mrs Reynolds said at Council’s last child car seat checking day, held in March, 22 cars were checked, and only two were compliant.
“When used correctly, child safety car seats significantly reduce fatal injuries for infants and toddlers,” Mrs Reynolds said.
“We service our cars, trailers and caravans; why not get your child restraints checked? They hold your most precious cargo.”
At this event, the professional fitter 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.
The child restraint checking day is on Wednesday 28 April from 9am to noon, at the Wagga Beach car park, Cabarita Park.
Places are limited and bookings are essential. For more information or to book, please contact reynolds.emma@wagga.nsw.gov.au or 1300 292 442.
For more information on child restraints, visit wagga.nsw.gov.au/services/roads-and-transport/road-safety