Plunket: Keep kiwi kids safe in cars this Easter

25 March 2013

Plunket: Keep kiwi kids safe in cars this Easter

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

“Have a great break this Easter, 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 our 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 children occupied.
• Keep children safe in their car seats and boosters – the back seat is the safest place.

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.

Plunket recommend getting expert assistance from a child restraint technician for a free check 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 and weight, and one that is best suited to your car.

Child restraint technicians are available through Plunket Car Seat Services, and at a number of other hire outlets or retailers. It is a totally free service.

For information on a Plunket car seat service near you visit www.plunket.org.nz

ENDS

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