Plunket: Keep kiwi kids safe in cars this Labour weekend

19 October 2012

Plunket: Keep kiwi kids safe in cars this Labour weekend

Plunket is urging New Zealand families to think about their kids’ safety while they’re on the roads this holiday weekend.

“Over this weekend have a great break, enjoy time with family and friends and remember everyone has to be properly buckled up”, says Sue Campbell, Plunket’s National Child Safety Advisor.

“If it means taking two vehicles to transport everyone, please do it, the consequences of an unrestrained adult or child in a crash can be devastating.

“Car crashes are one of the biggest dangers to New Zealand children. We have one of the highest child road fatality rates in the OECD. Around five children are killed or injured every week on this country’s roads.

“The simple truth is that car seats save lives. Children need to be buckled into a car seat every time they are riding in the car, no matter how short the journey. Babies need to be in a car seat from their very first ride”.

Sue says there are several key things to remember as you travel around this holiday weekend:

• Allow time for stops to let everyone stretch their legs, it may take a bit longer to get to your destination but it’s worth it.

• Take along some books, games and songs to keep them occupied

• Keep them safe in their car seats and boosters in back seat, it’s the safest place

• It’s the driver’s responsibility to make sure the children are correctly buckled up. The law requires all children under 5 to be in car seats, and to be safe older children too need to be in car seats and boosters.

For information on a car seat service near you, contact your local Plunket or visit www.plunket.org.nz

ENDS

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