Plunket: Keep an eye out for kids on the roads

Plunket: Keep an eye out for kids on the roads

Plunket is urging people to keep an eye out for children as they head back to school next week.

As New Zealand’s largest provider of services to support the health and development of children under five, Plunket recognises many children will be venturing off to school for the first time.

Sue Campbell, Plunket’s National Child Safety Advisor, says for parents and caregivers the start of the school year can be an emotional and busy time. Parents will often have a lot of new experiences to work through with getting children to school, and caring for younger siblings.

“Every driver on the road needs to be that bit more aware that more children are about, as well as people with prams and strollers, slow down and drive more cautiously.

“Keeping children safe on and around the road is important as they make their way to and from school”, she says.

“Remember that every time a child travels in a car they need to be in a car seat or booster seat, no matter how short the journey”.

For a car seat to perform correctly in a crash and protect your child it needs to be installed correctly. Plunket recommend that parents and caregivers seek expert assistance from a child restraint technician to ensure that your child's car seat fits your vehicle and is installed correctly. They can also advise about the best car seat for your child’s age, height and weight, and one that is best suited to your car.

Child restraint technicians are available through Plunket’s car seat service, and at a number of other hire outlets or retailers.

– ENDS –

© Scoop Media