We want every child in Polokwane safe and buckled up

POLOKWANE – By law all drivers of motor vehicles who transport children younger than three, have to have a car seat(s) installed in the car. This is law was brought into effect on 1 May 2015.

Car seats are however very expensive and unfortunately, not all parents can afford a safety seat.
On a recent talk show on local radio station, Jou Radio, medic Hannes Hattingh, spoke about the importance of buckling up and one listener, also a mother of a toddler, heard the discussion around car seats and decided to take action.
Irene Erwee, mother of three, contacted the radio station with the suggestion of collecting old car seats and donating it to the needy.
“I am a firm believer in buckling up and being safe. This habit starts at home and if a parent teach a child from early on about the safety of buckling up,it will become a life long habit.”

Review spoke to Hannes as well to find out why it is so important for a child to be buckled up.
“A child should sit in a car seat until the age of about 11 or 12. But if there is not a seat, he should at least be fastened with the car’s seat belt. The newer cars have weight sensors and restrain you according to your weight.”
A seat belt will help prevent the occupants of the car being flung around during a crash; being flung out of the vehicle or hitting other occupants.
He added hat when your car comes to a sudden stop, or when when you are standing still and some one ride into your cars back end, you and your passengers experience the same movement. A sudden stop or being flung forward. In the case of you not wearing a seat belt, there is nothing to restrain you, so you keep moving at the speed the vehicle was going until something stops you.
“The impact to your body in a crash is called crash force. This force is equal to your body weight multiplied by the speed of the vehicle. If your child weighs 10kg, your baby will move forward with a speed of between 50kg to 100kg. Therefore there is no way a parent holding a child can keep them safe and restrained in case of an accident.”

Osieteddies Kleinkindontwikelingsentrum who joined the drive after Irene contacted them asking for assistance, urges those interested in donating a car seat, or those who need a car seat, to visit them at 21 Munnik Ave, Sterpark.

“We will gladly assist and people are welcome to drop off the chairs at the school. Those in need can also come and collect… We want every child in Polokwane safe and buckled up,” said Linda Kruger, head of the school.
maretha@nmgroup.co.za