Child Car Seat Regulations.

It is not just adults who are at risk of sustaining whiplash-type injuries, children can suffer as well. It is important that parents know how to purchase the correct child seat for their child in order for them to be protected in the event of a road traffic accident. In 2006 a new legislation came into effect that made it mandatory for parents to use the correct child seat for their child’s weight, height and age. This is because there has been some research to show that there are certain preventative measures that can be taken to reduce the risk of whiplash related injuries in children.

The regulation states that any child under three must use the child restraint that is appropriate weight in any vehicle. It also meant that rear-facing baby seats cannot be used in a seat that is protected by an air-bag unless the air-bag has been deactivated otherwise it could inflate and put the baby at risk of a serious personal injury. However, rear-facing seats can be used in the back seat, unless side-impact airbags are fitted. Parents must also be very careful when using second-hand car seats and they should ensure that it is up-to-date and contains the correct fitting instructions, you must also know the history of the car seat.

It is essential that parents are aware of the guidelines that regulate which child car seat is used based on a child’s weight. The regulations state that children up to 13kgs (with an approximate age of 9-12 months) have to use rear-facing bay seats, children from 9kgs to 18kgs 9 (nine months to four years) have to use forward-facing child seats, 15kgs and up (from approximately four years) must use booster seats and children more than 22kgs (from approximately six years) must use booster cushions.

In order to enforce the new regulations if a person is found to be driving with child passengers that are not restrained properly will be issued with a £30 fixed penalty notice or fined £500 in court. Since these regulations have come into effect some retailers have reported that sales in car seats have nearly doubled. This is proof that the legislations have helped to raise awareness in a positive and effective way.

It is essential that people make sure that their children are using some kind of restraint whilst travelling in a car but it is also important to use the right form of restraint. If an incorrect restraint is used it may be that it could cause more harm than good or it may have no effect at all.

Make sure your child is safe when travelling with you on the roads by ensuring that you are clued up on the regulations related to child car safety.