| |
| |
| |
|
|
|
|
| Title: |
Stronger laws for the safer restraint of children |
| Article Date: |
16 May 2007
|
Draft new laws will provide a safe pathway from rear child seats to boosters and adult seatbelts.
Under a draft proposal released today by the National Transport Commission (NTC), children up to 6 months old must be restrained in a rearward facing infant capsule; then a forward facing child seat until the age of 4; and a booster seat from 4 to 7 years old*.
The review responds to calls from road safety experts and the community for tougher minimum standards.
Current laws require children to use a suitable approved child restraint or adult seatbelt that is properly fastened and adjusted. Compliance generally relies on the interpretation of educational guides.
According to Dr Jeff Potter, the NTC’s Senior Manager–Safety, 500 children up to the age of 10 are killed or seriously injured every year in car accidents, with 2,300 sustaining minor injuries. He said new age-based minimum standards, if approved, would improve public understanding and reduce injuries.
“While many parents and carers strive to do the right thing, the research shows children are moving to bigger seats too early. The new laws will provide better guidance informed by the latest available technology, research and world’s best practice,” Dr Potter said.
The report also includes proposed Australian Road Rules amendments clarifying give-way provisions at roundabouts and pedestrian safety at level crossings.
*Note: While the proposed laws cater for the majority of children, a provision has been drafted to ensure a child is not required to use a restraint unsuitable for their size and weight (for example a child who is too tall or heavy for the restraint).
MORE INFORMATION
Paul Sullivan, Manager Communications
National Transport Commission
(03) 9236 5027/0419 715 242
AUSTRALIAN ROAD RULES
As an independent statutory body, the National Transport Commission (NTC) submits recommendations for national reform to the Australian Transport Council (ATC) of Federal, State and Territory Transport Ministers for approval.
The ATC agreed to commence the introduction of national road rules from December 1999; a milestone in Australia’s transportation history and something that has eluded traffic planners and law makers for over 50 years. The Australian Road Rules were developed by the NTC in consultation with all Australian governments. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| |