Road safety

use the restraint correctly

The use of child restraints in Australia is high, with restraints used over 95% of the time. However misuse is a significant problem. In most cases where restrained children are injured, some form of misuse is generally involved .

To be effective, a child restraint must be used correctly:

• The restraint must be appropriate for the child's size and weight.
• The child must be securely placed in the restraint.
• The restraint must be correctly anchored to the vehicle.

early graduation of children in restraints

Many parents/carers move a child into the next stage of restraint before they have reached the appropriate size for that restraint system. Some children are also graduating much too early into adult seatbelts, when they would be safer in a booster seat.  Compared with children in dedicated child restraint systems, children in adult belts are 3.5 times more likely to sustain a significant injury, particularly to the head.

It is therefore important not to let your child travel with you in the car if they are not belted into the correct restraint for their size.

tips on correct use of child restraints

Protect children by using restraints safely:

• The safest position to carry a child is the centre position of the rear seat.
• Check that the top tether strap is firmly connected to the anchor point every time the restraint is used.
• Make sure there are no twists in any straps or belts, and that these are taut and firm, but not too tight and rigid every time the restraint is used.
• Always set a good example for children and use a seat belt every time you are in the car.
• Ensure that when moving a restraint between vehicles it is fitted properly. A Restraint Fitting Station can provide advice and check that your restraint is installed correctly.
• Always keep the instructions that came with the restraint in a safe place, such as the glove box. This will help if you need to adjust straps or fit the restraint again.
• If you drive a station wagon, hatchback or van make sure that any luggage and other large items in the rear do not interfere with the restraint tether strap and that a cargo barrier has been installed.
• For more information about keeping your child safe during each and every car journey, you can download RACV's Using restraints: getting it right every trip fact sheet.

disposal of old child restraints

There is no research that indicates how long restraints can be safely used, but restraints older than ten years cannot be guaranteed to perform as they were originally designed. If you think the restraint is no longer safe it should be destroyed. When disposing of a child restraint it is important that you destroy it so that others are not able to use it.

Destroy your child restraint if it:

• Does not have the AS/NZS 1754 sticker on the back of the restraint.
• Has been involved in a crash or shows any signs of wear, tear or structural damage.
• Is older than 10 years.