More than 80 percent of child car restraints checked in Geelong between May and July this year were incorrectly fitted or used, according to data recently released by leading safety agency Kidsafe Victoria.
It prompted an urgent call from Kidsafe Victoria for parents and carers to organise a free child car-restraint safety check.
The data was compiled from checks of 56 child car restraints in Geelong. A breakdown of the 45 incorrectly fitted restraints revealed that 22 required adjustments and 23 needed complete refits.
The Geelong figure mirrors state figures over the same period, where 87 percent of more than 6000 child car restraints checked across Victoria were incorrectly fitted or installed.
On average, approximately seven children under the age of 15 lose their lives, with 300 more sustaining injuries each year on Victorian roads.
A ‘Safe Seats, Safe Kids’ initiative will be delivered in collaboration with Neighbourhood Houses Victoria with support from the state government.
Bellarine MP Alison Marchant attended a recent Safe Seats Safe Kids event to see the benefits of the program.
“The Safe Seats, Safe Kids program helps to ensure parents and caregivers have peace of mind that their children are secured safely while travelling in cars,” she said.
“The current Legislative Assembly inquiry into road safety behaviours raises serious concerns about behaviours on the roads and it is clear that more can be done to reduce trauma and fatalities on our roads.
“I thank Kidsafe for their advocacy and work to educate and support families, and for practically keeping our youngest Victorians safe in their car seats.”
Local parents and carers – including grandparents – can book a free appointment to have their child car restraint installed or inspected at the Bellarine Living & Learning Centre, Leopold Community & Learning Centre, Cloverdale Community Centre, Norlane Community Centre, Rosewall Neighbourhood Centre and Springdale Neighbourhood House at safeseatssafekids.com.au
