More than 90 per cent of child car restraints checked in Cardinia between May and July this year were incorrectly fitted or used, according to data recently released by leading safety agency Kidsafe Victoria.
The concerning statistic, compiled from checks of 89 child car restraints in Cardinia, has prompted an urgent call from Kidsafe Victoria for parents and carers to organise a free child car restraint safety check.
A breakdown of the 81 incorrectly fitted restraints revealed 43 needed complete refits, while 35 restraints required adjustments and three required replacement.
The Cardinia figure mirrors state figures over the same period, where 87 per cent of more than 6000 child car restraints checked across Victoria were incorrectly fitted or installed.
Kidsafe Victoria chief executive Melanie Courtney said the concerning trend elevated the risk of transport-related injuries.
“Research indicates that the risk of life-threatening injuries increases by four to six times when child car restraints are not installed or used correctly,” Ms Courtney said.
“The figures highlight why programs like the free ’Safe Seats, Safe Kids’ program are a vital part of any ongoing road safety plan.”
“We know fitting car restraints is not easy and parents may not be equipped with the knowledge to properly install them – particularly the first time.
“Our accredited and experienced fitters ensure accurate restraint installation and offer valuable guidance to provide parents with peace of mind.”
Transport-related incidents remain a prominent cause of accidental child fatalities.
On average, approximately seven children under the age of 15 lose their lives, with 300 more sustaining injuries each year on Victorian roads.
Bellarine MP Alison Marchant attended a recent Safe Seats Safe Kids event to see the benefits of the program.
“The Safe Seats, Safe Kids program helps to ensure parents and caregivers have peace of mind that their children are secured safely while travelling in cars,” Ms Marchant said.
“The current Legislative Assembly inquiry into road safety behaviours raises serious concerns about behaviours on the roads and it is clear that more can be done to reduce trauma and fatalities on our roads.
“I thank Kidsafe for their advocacy and work to educate and support families, and for practically keeping our youngest Victorians safe in their car seats.”
The Safe Seats, Safe Kids initiative is delivered in collaboration with Neighbourhood Houses Victoria, with support from the Victorian Government.
Neighbourhood Houses Victoria chief executive, Keir Paterson, said the Safe Seats, Safe Kids program provided a vital service many families may not otherwise be able to afford.
“I encourage all parents and carers to book in for a free child car restraint fitting or check at their local Neighbourhood House Safe Seats, Safe Kids day,” Mr Paterson said.
“Neighbourhood Houses are there to support their communities, and I can’t think of a more important way to support families than the safety of children.”
Local parents and carers – including grandparents – can book a free appointment to have their child car restraint installed or inspected at the Pakenham Living and Learning Centre, Beaconsfield Neighbourhood Centre and Pakenham Outlook Community Centre where free fitting and checking days are regularly held; go to safeseatssafekids.com.au for more information.
Additionally, an educational e-learning tool is available as part of the initiative, aiding parents and caregivers in selecting, installing, and using child car restraints correctly.
The tool can be accessed at: safeseatssafekids.com.au/courses/child-car-restraints
For comprehensive information and guidance on best practices for the secure transportation of children, please visit safeseatssafekids.com.au/resources
