Local Aboriginal communities' benefit from free child car seat checks

A free child car seat safety check for Aboriginal communities on the Mid North Coast has helped raise awareness about the importance of using properly fitted child car seats.

Sally Webb, Deputy Secretary of Safety, Environment and Regulation at Transport for NSW said about 30 people attended the Aboriginal Child Restraint Community Information Days offered by Transport for NSW in conjunction with Durri Aboriginal Health Service at South Kempsey on June 20.

“Children are our most vulnerable passengers, yet only one in three child car seats are being used correctly,” Ms Webb said.

“That’s why Transport for NSW has a range of initiatives in place to support the correct use of child seats among Aboriginal communities including Community Information Days like this one.”

Ms Webb said Community Information Days are important to help raise awareness about the safety benefits of properly fitting and using child car seats.

“When the unexpected happens on the road, a child who is properly secured in an approved child car seat suitable for their size and age is less likely to be injured or killed in a car crash than one who is not,” Ms Webb said.

“Aboriginal parents and carers with a health care card were able get their child car seats inspected for free by an authorised restraint fitter.

“Six child car seats were inspected, and 11 free child car seats were installed for eligible participants. Eligible participants who did not get a seat on the day received vouchers to have child car seats fitted by an authorised fitter.”

Ms Webb said between 2017-2021 there were 929 children aged 0-7 years who were hospitalised with a serious injury from a road crash.

“Every death and serious injury on our roads is tragic but especially when it involves children,” Ms Webb said.

“I’m reminding all drivers that they have a responsibility for the safety of all their passengers including making sure any children are correctly fastened in an approved child restraint appropriate for their age and size.”