- In 2006, 26 children aged 0-11 were killed and 277 seriously injured in cars.
- The number of 0-3 year olds killed was 10, seriously injured 82 and 1,248 were slightly injured in cars.
- The number of 4-11 year olds killed was 16, seriously injured 195 and 4,899 were slightly injured.
- In 2006, a survey conducted by the Transport Research Laboratory showed that 2% of 0-4 year olds were not restrained in any way in the rear of cars and 11% of 5-13 were not restrained at all in the rear.
- Protect your children by using a properly fitted, purpose made child car seat which meets the current safety standards and is appropriate for your child's weight and height. Try before you buy and get a trained professional to demonstrate how to fit the seat.
- When fitting a child car seat in your car, always follow the manufacturer's instructions thoroughly and allow plenty of time. The same applies when it comes to strapping your baby or child into the seat.
- Make sure your child car seat is properly fitted every time you use it. Always keep a copy of the fitting instructions in your car.
- Child seats are designed for various weights of child. As a general guide:
- Baby seats are for babies weighing up to 13kgs (birth to 9-12 months) or until they can support their own head. They face backwards and are fitted into the front or rear of the car with a seat belt. They should never be used in the front where the front seat is protected with a frontal airbag.
- Child car seats are for children weighing between 9 and 18 kgs (aged nine months to about four years) and have their own straps. They face forwards and are usually fitted in the back seat of a car with a seat belt.
- Booster seats and booster cushions are for children weighing 15 to 36 kgs (aged around 4 years and upwards). They are designed to raise them so they can use an adult seat belt safely across both their chest and lower abdomen.
- Always make sure that your children's car Seat belts are properly adjusted and fastened before setting off in the car, even on the shortest of trips. And remember to set a good example by fastening your own belt.
- By law, you have to wear a seat belt if one is fitted. No child can in the front seat without the correct child car seat (or seat belt if over 135cm).
- By law, children under 3 years old MUST NOT travel in a car or goods vehicle unless they are in the correct baby/child car seat.
- By law, you MUST NOT place a rear-facing child seat in a seat where there is an active frontal airbag. Forward-facing restraints should be as far back from the airbag as possible. Always check the car handbook.
- Never modify a child car seat or seat belt to try to make it fit.
- Check the advice in your car handbook and the advice from the child seat manufacturer. If in doubt call the manufacturer's helpline or speak to your local Road Safety Officer.
- Lap and diagonal belts are safer than lap-only belts.
A free leaflet offering advice is available.
Information on the Child Car Seats Campaign can be found in the Road Safety Campaigns section.
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