800 child car seat installers trained

21 June, 2004

800 child car seat installers trained in the first year

More than 800 installation technicians have been trained in the first year of Safe2Go, a child car restraint training project supported by ACC and the LTSA.

Safe2Go aims to ensure that child car seats are correctly installed, by training people who can advise parents on seat purchase, hire, or installation.

Coordinated by the Child Safety Foundation, Safe2Go was initiated following research that found up to half the child seats fitted in cars are not correctly installed.

Child Safety Foundation Chief Executive Gael Brooks said she was delighted Safe2Go had been so widely adopted.

Selected Farmers Trading Co branches that sell child car seats now have two trained Safe2Go technicians who can advise shoppers on the best seat for their child and vehicle.

"Just as important, they can show parents and caregivers the right way to install the seat, and secure children in their seats," Ms Brooks said.

Farmers intend to extend this service to more of their outlets.

"Organisations from Plunket to Police, retailers and health workers have worked on this initiative to ensure it reaches the maximum number of people," Ms Brooks said.

This month, the Maui and Britz campervan operators chose to provide Safe2Go training to selected staff who can advise their customers on the correct installation and use of child car seats.

"In the next year, we expect more retailers and vehicle safety organisations to join by getting their own Safe2Go certified installers," Ms Brooks said.

One of the most common problems with child car seats is that the tether strap is not secured, compromising the seat’s stability in a crash.

"Often, it's case of being in too much of a rush to restrain the child properly, maybe because it's raining or they’re running late. However, those are the very conditions in which they are most likely to have a crash," Ms Brooks said.

This week 18 Safe2Go trainers located nationally are meeting in Auckland for their annual re-training conference.

The trainers will receive and share the latest information on child car seat innovations and work on solutions for promoting and improving correct use.

If you would like to know more or contact a Safe2Go trainer or technician in your area please phone 0800 CHILDSAFETY.

ENDS

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