Forbes Shire Council is ensuring that children are secure when travelling in vehicles with free child restraint checks from 12pm to 2pm at Jelbart Dawson tomorrow.
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The checks will be provided by RMS authorised child restraint fitters as part of the I’m Counting On You project.
Information about the national child restraint laws, the types of restraints and advice on moving children from one restraint type to the next will be available.
There will also be a free barbecue and a colouring in competition for the kids.
Forbes Shire Council's Road Safety and Injury Prevention Officer, Melanie Suitor, has organised child restraint checking days in the past and said that 80 per cent of child restraints inspected were found to be installed incorrectly.
“The correct fitting and adjustment of child restraints is vital. Research shows that two out of three child restraints are not being used properly and this puts children at risk in the event of a crash,” Melanie said.
“Most of the child restraints that were checked last time we offered this service had minor problems that needed fixing to ensure the safety of the child, such as tightening straps, checking clips and replacing loose bolts.
“It is important to have your child restraint checked regularly after prolonged use and installed correctly before use to ensure that your precious cargo is safe.
“An unrestrained child can sustain devastating injuries by coming into contact with the interior of the vehicle or going through a vehicle window if they are unrestrained or are not restrained properly.
“However, children travelling in a car do not have to be involved in a crash to suffer serious injuries. A child who is not properly restrained can be badly hurt as a result of sudden braking.”
Mayor Phyllis Miller OAM said this event was also a good opportunity for grandparents to get their child restraints checked too.
“Many grandparents have at least one car seat fitted in their vehicles and it is just as important for them to be checked,” Mayor Miller said.
One of the aims of the I’m Counting on You Project is to establish and hold annual child restraint checking days - this checking day is the first of hopefully many similar events.
Bookings are essential for tomorrow, phone 6861 2364 to secure your place.
