In-car safety checks for Buttercups Nursery

Dave Godley demonstrating to local parent Amy Ingham how to properly fit a child safety seat.

Buttercups Nursery 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 nursery’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.

Assistant Casualty Reduction Officer Dave Godley said; “When we visited the nursery, the vast majority of child restraints were fitted correctly with just the odd one needing slight adjustment. Parents at the nursery seem to be very well informed on how to check the seats and keep their child safe.

“It’s also great to see private nurseries inviting us to offer additional advice to parents on top of the care they provide in the nursery itself.”

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 always willing to provide resources to any member of the community who requires road safety information. To request these resources, please e-mail; 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/