New law states kids under 3 must be strapped into car seats
JOBURG – It was recently announced that the Department of Transport has amended the National Road Traffic Act to include a new regulation regarding car seats for young children.
The use of a child car seat for all children under the age of three will now be compulsory from 1 May. Motorists who have children under the age of three unrestrained in a vehicle will be issued a fine.
This amendment was welcomed by emergency services provider ER24, confirmed spokesperson Chitra Bodasing.
“Several motorists still refuse to take seriously the constant warnings and calls by emergency services and authorities to have children properly restrained in vehicles,” stated Bodasing.
“On a daily basis while on the road, you will find young children jumping on back seats, hanging out of windows and sitting on passenger’s laps. Upon speaking to parents some will tell you that they never grew up with child car seats and they survived.
“Parents may also tell you that their children do not like being restrained and cry constantly. Some parents insist you not tell them what to do with their children. Times have changed.”
Bodasing further stated that the number of vehicles on the road today has increased drastically, therefore increasing the safety risks.
“With the number of cars, buses, bikes and other modes of transport we are surrounded by every day and the number of distractions on the road, there is no better and safer option but to have your child restrained,” said Bodasing. “If your child does not like being restrained take responsibility and make them understand that it is not up for discussion.”
Emergency services attend to horrific collisions involving children on a weekly basis. The majority of unrestrained children are flung out of vehicles and either sustain critical injuries or die in collisions. For those parents who cannot afford new car seats, organisations have been established that sell second-hand car seats or hand them out for an affordable donation.
While the law forces parents to use child car seats for children under the age of three, this does not mean that adults should ignore the need to restrain older children. Make sure they are restrained appropriately too.
“Remember you cannot undo death. The choice you make could be the difference between life and death. Make sure your child is appropriately restrained,” Bodasing concluded.
Details: ER24 084 124.
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