Autumn and winter are the times when roads become wet and dangerous.   

A NSW Ombudsman review into the deaths of children from car crashes found one-third could have been saved if they were correctly restrained.  On average, 2 children a month present to the children’s hospitals with injuries sustained in motor vehicle crashes while in a car seat. 

Fact - 90% of child car seats are incorrectly installed or used incorrectly 

Autumn is a great time to check: 

• for correct installation of child car seats or restraints – check the manufacturer’s user manual as a refresher or book in with an authorised fitter
• child car seats or restraints meet current standards and are not a recalled product – Australian/New Zealand Standard AS/NZS 1754
• the most suitable child car seat or restraint is being used for your child based on their age, size, and weight
• the harness fits firmly but does not rub on exposed skin when your child is in the seat or restraint. 

The correct use of a child car restraint reduces the risk of death in a motor vehicle accident by up to 75%.  

For more information on child car seats and restraint fitting visit our Safety around cars page.