In-car safety checks protecting children

Stuart Howarth demonstrating to Stacey McKler how to properly fit a child safety seat

The Willows Nursery and Pre-School Centre recently received a visit from the Council’s Casualty Reduction Team who conducted a series of in-car safety checks.

Casualty Reduction Officers Dave Godley and Stuart Howarth spoke to parents as they picked their children up, advising both them and the centre’s carers about the correct use of child restraints in cars.

When looking at casualty statistics, they show, if properly restrained a child is three times less likely to sustain a head injury in a collision than an unrestrained child. Tests have also shown an unrestrained child can be killed in an impact with speeds as low as 5mph. Therefore, using the correct restraint is vital in order to protect the borough’s youngsters.

Casualty Reduction Officer Stuart Howarth said: “It’s fantastic it’s not just council nurseries that want this service, but the private ones as well. It shows the care and safety of children is paramount to all concerned and it’s not just about turning a profit.

“While at the nursery we looked at around 30 seats in a wide variety of vehicles and most of the child restrains were fitted correctly with just slight adjustment needed to make them perfect.

“Once a child seat is fitted, it can come loose within just a few journeys. Therefore, having the knowledge to re-secure it properly can prevent injury to the child in a crash or emergency stop, which is a priority for all parents.”

Cllr Jacqui Beswick, cabinet member for place and regulation (including highways), said; “The law is simple; everyone in a car must be restrained by either a seatbelt or child restraint, and up to the age of twelve or 4ft 5in (135cm), a child must use a child restraint.

“Furthermore, the government has increased the fine for not wearing a seatbelt or using a child restraint to £100 from next month, so it is vital for the safety of our children and the contents of our wallets that you ensure your children are properly restrained.”

The Council’s Highways team is willing to provide resources to any member of the community who requires road safety information. To request these resources, please email: highways@rochdale.gov.uk 

For a full explanation of the laws governing the wearing of seatbelts and child restraints, please visit http://think.direct.gov.uk/education/early-years-and-primary/parents/7-to-11s/car-seats-boosters-and-seat-belts/