Law puts attention on child restraints

Press, 15 August 1984, Page 46

Law puts attention on child restraints

From September 1 drivers will be responsible for having children safely restrained in their motor vehicle where possible. If there is no approved safety restraint fitted in the vehicle for children under eight years of age any other form of restraint or seat belt, if available, must be used.

Any child riding in a motor vehicle must use a restraint if it is available. While the vehicle is in motion a child under 15 years of age is not peemitted to ride alongside the driver if he or she is not wearing a restraint. A child can only ride beside the driver without a restraint if the back seat is fully occupied by children under 15, or if there is no back seat, such as in a van or utility. For example, if parents take their child with them in the motor vehicle the child must ride in the back seat if there is no restraint available In the front seat.

Any child under 15 but over eight must wear a securely fastened seat belt. Children 15 years and older

must follow the law for adults and wear a seatbelt at all times, where it is fitted.

It is the responsibility of the driver to ensure children comply with regulations and use restraints wherever possible. The Ministry of Transport says it will be concentrating on educating the motorist to comply with the regulations. The days of children standing on car seats had almost gone but there was still room for improvement The Ministry has information on approved child restraints and can give motorists a guide to what they should be using. A variety of child restraints are available through a number of outlets such as vehicle distributors, service stations, department stores, accessory shops and manufacturers.

Seats for babies up to six months and toddlers are available for hire from the Plunket Car Seat Rental Scheme on Mondays to Thursdays at the society’s Selwyn Street clinic in Spreydon. ■