Keep your precious cargo safe: Check car seat safety

Published: 02 Mar 2021 4:02pm

Wagga Wagga City Council is encouraging parents, grandparents, and carers to take advantage of free child car seat safety checks 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.

“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 become loose. Proper use of car safety seats helps keep children safe.”

The child restraint checking day is on Wednesday 10 March from 9am to noon, at the Wagga Wagga Beach car park.

Mrs Reynolds said 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 22 cars were checked at Council’s last child car seat checking day, 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; so 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 children are travelling safely.

Places are limited and bookings are essential. For more information or to book, please contact reynolds.emma@wagga.nsw.gov.au or 6923 9544.

For more information on child restraints, visit wagga.nsw.gov.au/services/roads-and-transport/road-safety