Startling new research from the Road Safety Authority (RSA ) has found that as many as four of every five childrens’ car seats are incorrectly fitted.
As a result of the research, the RSA is holding a series of events at SuperValu stores across Mayo this December to encourage parents to ensure their childrens’ car seats are safe and secure.
The RSA has been operating a ‘Check It Fits’ service since October 2013 and has checked over 4,000 car seats and restraints nationwide since the campaign was launched.
Of those checks, 83 per cent of car seats required some adjustment. More worryingly, 79 per cent required a major adjustment. Three per cent of car seats were deemed not fit for purpose and condemned, meaning they could have caused injury or even death in the event of a collision.
“To highlight the issue of child safety in cars in Mayo, the Check it Fits service team of child car seat installation experts will check child car seats and restraints to ensure they are correctly fitted in the various locations,” said an RSA spokesperson.
The team will be in Supervalu, New Antrim Street, Castlebar, on December 10, Supervalu, Bunree, Ballina, on December 11, Kavanagh Supervalu, Westport, on December 12 and Supervalu, Ballyhaunis on December 23. The Check It Fits service will run from 10 am to 5.30 pm at each location.
“If a child car seat isn’t fitted correctly, it could lead to a serious or fatal injury in the event of a collision, and so incorrectly fitted child car seats are a significant cause for concern for parents, grandparents and guardians who travel with children,” added the RSA spokesperson.
RSA chairman
For more informatoin, visit www.rsa.ie
