Restraint checks securing child safety in Parkes

The free child restraint checking event, a service provided by Parkes Shire Council, discovered that 90 per cent of the child restraints checked were incorrectly fitted. The service provided free child restraint inspections in the Kelly Reserve carpark, by local Authorised Child Restraint Fitters. Twelve child restraints were brought in by parents and grandparents for checking - mostly rearward/forward facing converter child restraints or forward facing/booster converter child restraints. There was also an installation. Parkes Shire Council’s Road Safety and Injury Prevention Officer, Melanie Suitor, said this bi-annual event continues to be popular. “The child restraints that were incorrectly fitted had minor problems that needed fixing to ensure the safety of the child," Ms Suitor said. The most common errors were: • the vehicle’s seat was too reclined • the seatbelt needed tightening • the seatbelt was twisted • the shoulder straps needed adjusting • the harness was twisted • ISOfix connectors were loose • a gated buckle needed to be fitted to ensure a tighter fit and • the top tether strap was twisted. “The correct fitting and adjustment of child restraints is vital. It is important to make sure that your precious cargo is safe and buckled up every time they are in the car - whether it's a five minute or five-hour journey," Ms Suitor said. While this was a free bi-annual event, local Authorised Child Restraint Fitters can install and check child restraints all year-round for a small fee. The local fitters in Parkes are Col Fletcher Ford and Kia and Parkes Tyrepower. The local fitter in Forbes is Jelbart Dawson and the local fitter in Condobolin is Central West Tyre Service. National child restraint laws have been in effect since 2010. All children must be safely fastened into the correct child restraint for their age and size. Children need to be at least 145cm or taller to use an adult lap sash seatbelt. Research shows children who are not restrained correctly are seven times more likely to sustain life-threatening injuries in a crash than those who are properly secured. Visit www.childcarseats.com.au for more information about child restraint rules, types, FAQs and to view the rating results. The ratings indicate the comparative safety a child restraint provided its occupant under certain test conditions, as well as how easily it can be used.