Victorians warned children could be at risk because of poorly understood seat belt rules

Children are legally allowed to be taken out of booster seats from the age of seven. But many parents are unaware that — under little-understood guidelines — less than 2 per cent of those kids are safe. Here’s why.

Vague safety guidelines and poor driver education are putting thousands of children at risk on our roads, with Victoria’s peak motoring body warning many motorists are failing to properly restrain their children.

The RACV have launched a new push to teach drivers the correct way to carry young passengers over grave concerns the majority of the state’s population have no idea when to use seat belts or booster seats.

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Children are legally allowed to be taken out of booster seats from the age of seven but little-understood guidelines actually specify this must only be done if their size allows.

The rules suggest a child is only safe behind a seatbelt once they are 145cm tall, a height many do not reach until between the ages of 10 and 12.

But RACV safety and education manager Elvira Lazar said many parents were putting their seven-year-olds in the front seat.

“Less than 2 per cent of children are close to 145cm at the age of seven but parents think once their child reaches that age that they are instantly ready to travel in a seatbelt,” she said.

“If people don’t follow the correct steps the chance of a significant injury is much higher.

“It is really important children stay in the booster seat as long as possible rather than being rushed into a seatbelt at the risk of their safety.

“When parents are expecting a baby they are far more likely to seek out information but as they get older they aren’t necessarily aware of what the rules and guidelines are.”

Elvira Lazar, pictured with Josh, 11, and Marcus, 6 using proper child restraints. Picture: Mark Stewart

Motorists can be fined hundreds and dollars and handed demerit points if they are caught out with a child who is not properly restrained in their seat.

During last year’s state election, the Andrews Government pledged $4 million to help families hire professionals install kids’ car seats correctly in a bid to improve safety outcomes.

Acting Premier Jacinta Allan said: “Child restraints and booster seats provide much greater protection for young children than a standard seat belt in the event of a crash, but it’s important parents select install and use them correctly.”

“Research shows using appropriately fitted and adjusted child restraints reduces a child’s risk of serious injury or death by around 70 per cent.”

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