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RoadSmart
Report | July, 2002
Child
restraint clinics in full swing
The
best way to protect your child in the event of a collision or sudden stop
while driving is to use a child safety seat. It’s important that you
choose an appropriate seat for your child’s age and weight, and also
that you install it correctly.
“Choosing
and installing a child restraint is a complicated process,” says Shannon
Ell, SGI’s Supervisor of Traffic Safety Promotion. “In fact,
our most recent survey shows that only about half the children aged eight
and under in Saskatchewan are properly restrained while travelling in vehicles.”
That
is why SGI, independent insurance brokers and other safety agencies have
once again teamed up to offer free child restraint education clinics across
the province.
At
the drive-through clinics, educators will go over each vehicle, the child
restraint being used and the particular needs of each child in attendance.
Educators will take into account the child’s age, weight and height
when determining if the proper restraint is being used. They will then
check whether the child restraint is correctly installed and meets safety
standards, and whether the child is safely secured in the restraint.
There
are currently 73 clinics scheduled in 55 different communities around Saskatchewan.
For a complete schedule of child restraint clinics please call SGI or click
here.
“Some
SGI offices will also accept appointments to have your child restraint checked,” Ell
added. “By calling SGI Salvage in Regina, Yorkton, Moose Jaw and North
Battleford, or Swift Current Claims, you can arrange to have your child restraint
checked for safety.”
The
following information will help ensure your child’s safety:
• The
safest place for any child is in the middle of the back seat. This is especially
important if the vehicle has air bags in the front. Air bags can be deadly
to children.
• Children
should remain in a rear-facing seat until they are least one year of age.
A baby under one year is not strong enough to withstand a forward impact
and serious injury can result.
• From
birth to 9 kg (20 lbs.) a child should be in a rear-facing seat.
• From
9-18 kg (20-40 lbs.) a child can move into a forward-facing seat.
• Once
a child weighs over 18 kg (40 lbs.) using a booster seat is a good idea.
• A
child must weigh at least 27 kg (60 lbs.) before an adult seat belt will
work properly. Until then, use a booster seat.
• When
installing a child restraint, the most common mistakes are made when fastening
the seat to your vehicle. The seat belt and tether strap - for forward-facing
seats - must be secured and as tight as possible to keep your child safe.
• If
you are thinking about purchasing a used child restraint ask about the
seat’s history. If it’s been in a crash or if it’s more
than 10 years old, you don’t want to buy it.
• When
buying any child restraint - new or used - make sure it is compatible with
your vehicle. It’s also a good idea to place your child in the seat
prior to purchase - comfort and fit are important.
• Remember
that you are buckling children up for their own safety. No amount of screaming
or crying should persuade you to not use a child restraint.
Contact:
Shannon Ell, Supervisor
Traffic Safety Promotion
SGI
Regina
(306) 775-6179
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