Road Safety

Children in Vehicles

Child car seats

In 2005, a Transport Research Laboratory survey showed that 5 per cent of 0 to 4 year-olds were not restrained in any way in the rear of the car. In the 2007 survey, this figure fell to 3 per cent.

Research also showed that:

• the morning and afternoon school runs are the peak times for accidents involving children
• even at low speeds, having your child in an incorrectly fitted seat could increase their risk of injury.

What the law says

The law says that all children up to 135cm tall (around 4'5"), or the age of 12, whichever comes first, in the front or rear seats in cars, vans and other goods vehicles must travel in the correct child restraint for their weight with very few exceptions.

Visitors to the UK from abroad must also use the correct child restraint for their children - there are no exceptions for them.  Family and friends expecting visitors should make sure that their visitors understand the rules. They may need to help them make arrangements so that children use the correct child restraint at all times. Car rental companies can supply child restraints for their customers if booked in advance. 

What do you mean by "child restraints"? 

"Child restraints" refers to:

• baby seats
• child seats
• booster seats
• booster cushions

Rear-facing baby seats MUST NOT be used in a seat protected by a frontal air-bag unless the air-bag has been deactivated manually or automatically. In vehicles where seat belts are fitted, children 3 years to 135 cms in height (approx 4ft 5ins) MUST use the appropriate child restraint.

For further information please follow these links

http://think.dft.gov.uk/think/

http://www.childcarseats.org.uk/

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