“Parents are clearly concerned about the safety of their children while driving them to school, day care and after school activities and are desperate for some clarity in this area,” said founder of the website, Melissa Pye.
This is not necessarily an ignorance related issue. Last year, The Australian Transport Council introduced new laws based on a size-appropriate restraint system for all children in Australia up to the age of 7. Things are getting even more confusing as states will introduce the laws at different times. Victoria was the first to implement the new laws in November.
“While I applaud the introduction of the long overdue changes to the laws, the government really needs to step up and educate parents and carers by showing them how to restrain their children safely and reinforcing it over time. The proper use of child restraints can save lives and reduce the risk of serious injury,” says Melissa.
Main areas of confusion for parents include
- Age vs height and weight
- Actual age: does a 7 year old need to be in a restraint?
- Seatbelt use:inbuilt harness vs adult seatbelt, where to place adult seatbelt
- Use of restraints in own cars vs occasional travel eg taxis, buses and grandparent’s cars
According to an Australian Transport Council report, 500 children up to the age of 10 are killed or seriously injured every year in car accidents, with 2,300 sustaining minor injuries.
Google News