In 2006, 92 children aged 0-11 were seriously or slightly injured in cars in Cambridgeshire.  Most accidents happen on local journeys, at low speeds, often on the school run.

In 2004, a survey conducted by the Transport Research Laboratory showed that 5% of 0-4 year olds were not restrained in any way in the rear of cars.

Without a doubt, using a correctly fitted, purpose made and appropriate child car seat, is the best way to reduce the risk of your child being injured in an accident.

However, finding a suitable car seat will take time. Unfortunately not all child car seats will fit all cars and so choosing your child car seat can be difficult.  

Check that it meets the current safety standards and make sure that it is appropriate for your child’s weight and height. It will be marked with an ‘E’ mark and a ‘03’ number, finally make sure it is checked every trip.

Road Safety Officers work closely with the police, health professionals and anti-natal groups to ensure that these messages reach the public:

· Fit it properly every time, its no good if you don’t
· Take time to get the child comfortably strapped in
· Make sure the adult seatbelt passes through all the correct guides
· The child seat must be tight in the adult seat
·Make sure the harness is correctly adjusted – only one or two fingers should fit between the child’s chest and harness
· Never modify the seat or adult seatbelt to make it fit. The adult seatbelt buckle should not be bent over or rest on the child seat frame
·Never tuck the seatbelt under the child’s arm or behind their back
· Never fit a rear-facing seat with an active airbag in front of it

Officers are also trained to check car seats for the correct fit and can advise the public as to whether they have the right seat for their car. Good retailers should allow customers to try the child car seat in their cars before they buy.

See the link on the right for information on the new regulations governing the use of car seats.