Forbes Shire Council are making sure that children are safe and secure on car journeys with free child restraint checks provided by RMS Authorised Child Restraint Fitters next week.
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Forbes Shire Council's Road Safety and Injury Prevention Officer, Melanie Suitor, says that the free child restraint checking day is held every year, is well patronised and is important in ensuring the safe travel of young children.
“This year's child restraint checking day will be held on Thursday 5 July from 8am - 11am at Forbes Pre School Kindergarten,” Ms Suitor said.
“We are trialling a new format this year - going to where the children are to offer the free checks.
“There will be a parents/carers session from 8am - 9.30am, followed by an open session from 9.30am - 11am.
“If the new format works for the community we will offer the service at other Childcare Centres in the coming years," Ms Suitor said.
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.
“Most of the restraints we checked last year had minor problems that needed fixing to ensure the safety of the child, such as tightening straps, checking clips and replacing loose bolts,” Ms Suitor said.
“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.”
Bookings for the checks are essential, phone 6861 2364 to secure your place.
Whilst you wait, there will be free barista coffee and a colouring-in competition for the kids with a prize worth $50.
Children are required to be seated in an approved child restraint, appropriate for their size until they are seven years of age.
Research shows that a child that is properly secured in an approved child restraint is less likely to be injured or killed in a car crash than one who is not.
“Every year more than 500 children are killed or injured in car crashes across Australia,” Ms Suitor said.
“Often injuries are caused by the use of an ill fitting child restraint (where the child is too young and/or too small for the restraint) or by a restraint being fitted incorrectly. Two out of three child restraints are not being used properly.”
