Victorian families to access free car seat safety checks

Anecdotal evidence suggests two thirds of car seats are incorrectly fitted.

Parents will be able to have their child’s car seat checked to see if it is installed correctly for free from March under a Victorian government initiative.

Professional fitters will inspect child car seats to make sure they’re installed and being used correctly.

The free car seat fittings and safety checks will take place across council areas in Victoria at numerous locations including neighbourhood houses and community centres.

Parents and carers will also be provided with information on how to check if their precious cargo is travelling safely.

The initiative comes after worrying data revealed around 70 per cent of child car restraints are not fitted or used correctly – making injury up to seven times more likely.

Kidsafe Victoria data revealed the risk of life-threatening injuries in a car accident can be four to six times greater if a child is seated in a poorly installed restraint.

On average, six children under the age of 13 are killed, and around 160 are seriously injured in vehicles on Victorian roads each year.

“The data tells us that kids are far more likely to be injured if they’re in a poorly-installed restraint. That’s why it’s crucial they are in seats that are checked by the experts,” Health Minister Jenny Mikakos said.

“I urge all parents and carers to take advantage of this landmark program – it will help keep kids safe and give them the important peace of mind that their children are properly secured.”

Parents and carers can register their interest to attend a child car seat safety check session at kidsafevic.com.au/road-safety/free-child-car-restraint-checking-program/

The below video was shared on Victoria Police’s Facebook page. A warning, it is disturbing.