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| Title: |
Stronger laws for the safe restraint of children |
| Article Date: |
29 Feb 2008
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Australia’s Transport Ministers today announced their unanimous support for new national child restraint laws, which provide a safe pathway from capsules to seat belts.
In response to calls from road safety experts and the community for tougher minimum standards, 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 new road rules will reduce the risk of injury caused by seat restraints which are unsuitable for the child’s weight and height.
While most parents and carers strive to do the right thing using guidance material already available, the research shows some children are moving to bigger seats too early.
A child’s age is an easily understood guide, which will help parents and carers choose the safest seat restraint for their children.
The reform package also recognises the increased safety protection offered by rear car seats.
Children up to four years old must be restrained in the rear of a vehicle. A child aged 4 to 7 years old must be seated at the back, unless all the rear seat positions are occupied by other young children (under 7 years old).
A further review of the laws will follow if ‘large’ booster seats – suitable for older children between 7 and 12 years old – are approved and become available.
Currently, 500 children up to the age of 10 are killed or seriously injured every year in car accidents, with 2,300 sustaining minor injuries.
The National Transport Commission (NTC) facilitated extensive national public consultation on the proposals before making their recommendation to Transport Ministers. The amended laws will be progressed by States and Territories for implementation.
The NTC report also includes amendments clarifying give-way provisions at roundabouts and pedestrian safety at level crossings.
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