Tasmanian Governor Barbara Baker adds support to safer car seats for our kids

A shocking number of child car seats are not fitted properly and could result in serious injury or death in an accident, Kidsafe Tasmania warns.

TASMANIAN families’ most precious cargo could be at risk through poorly fitted child car seats.

Up to 90 per cent of child car seats were not fitted properly and could have resulted in serious injury or death in the event of an accident, Kidsafe Tasmania says.

Chief executive Jenny Branch-Allen is hoping to re-educate Tasmanians on the importance of having properly fitted car child seats with a grant from the Tasmanian Road Safety Advisory Council of $50,000 a year for five years, which includes free inspections of seats.

“Prior to receiving the funding in 2020 we checked hundreds and found 80-90 per cent needed some form of adjustment to make them safe, from small to major refits,” Ms Branch-Allen said.

“All could have resulted in injury or fatality to a child in an accident.

“If a seat isn’t fitted correctly, a child can be thrown forward in the seat and suffer breaks, bruises, or internal organs can be crushed and ruptured. The seat can come undone and they can be thrown from the car ... so many things can go wrong.”

In Tasmania, children under the age of seven must use a forward-facing car seat or booster seat, according to the state’s Transport Department.

Ms Branch-Allen advocates for professional installation of seats and regular checks.

“Let’s face it, instructions are not always easy to interpret and it is easy to slip that belt through the wrong slot,” she said.

“Having a professional fit and showing you how to do it properly and sharing tips and hints is invaluable. They also can suggest some ways to help with those kids that escape straps or undo buckles.

“You also just can’t have them installed and not regularly check them to make sure things haven’t changed.”

Kidsafe also encourages children aged over seven to remain in a booster seat.

Governor Barbara Baker and grandchildren Lachie, 3, and Liam, 18 months. Picture: Eddie Safarik

Governor and Kidsafe patron Barbara Baker AC knows the importance of a properly fitted car seat.

“This may reduce the risk of death or serious injury in road crashes by up to 70 per cent,” Ms Baker said.

“It is important also that car seats be checked to ensure that the safety straps have not twisted. I discovered this had occurred when Peter Gillon, from Kidsafe, fitted our car seat, which had been used in another car.

“I was very happy to have the car seat properly fitted, as I drive my two grandsons around regularly, usually twice per week at the weekend.

“I believe that the free service by Kidsafe to fit car seats is very important, as many families may not be able to afford the cost.

“It is also complicated to fit the seat properly, as my husband and I discovered.

“A free service means that parents and grandparents can ensure that their seats are fitted properly to protect their children and grandchildren.”

WHAT CAR SEAT SHOULD I BUY?

• Always buy a car seat that fits your child and fits your car. Keeping your child rear facing for as long as possible is the safest option.

• Using a convertible car seat will allow your child to be rear facing for longer.

• Booster seats with a high back, seatbelt positioning devices and side support provide the best protection.

• Visit www.childcarseats.com.au for more information.