RMIF guide to passenger safety

Driving demands all of the concentration that can be mustered, and it is when this is broken that accidents can occur. In hot weather the driver can become tired, and adult passengers can cause unwanted distractions, but it is children that are often the most disruptive element. Unfortunately families across the UK are bringing all these ingredients together as they embark on summer road trips.

According to Mike Owen, head of operations for the Retail Motor Industry Federation (RMIF), it is vital to properly prepare for these summer journeys. He said: ‘If you are motoring with your family you will want to make sure they are travelling safely. Over the last few years vehicles have been made much safer for occupants in the event of a crash, but there is still a lot you can do yourself to protect your passengers. ‘

Owen continues: ‘If you have very young children, make sure you have proper child seats in which to place them. Apart from the fact that strapping your child in a seat may save their lives in the event of a collision, the fact that you know where they are at all times could mean the difference between your having your attention focused on the road ahead, and having an accident.’

When buying or installing child seats, there are a few things to remember:

always buy the right car seat for your child’s weight and physical development, checking for the British Standard Kitemark or the European standard approval
replace the seat as the child grows
have fixed seats fitted by a professional installer
check the seat is firm at all times, making sure before every journey
make sure that the harness is firm: you should only be able to get one or two fingers between the strap and the child’s chest
the RMI recommends that you do not use a second hand child seat
replace any seat that has previously been involved in an accident
if anyone else is driving your child, make sure they know how to fit the seat and monitor its use
if you hire a vehicle, double check the fitting
If the front passenger seat is fitted with an airbag:
never put a baby seat in the front unless the airbag can be deactivated
if it is feasible sit older children in the back

Other passengers will need to use seatbelts. The rules on seatbelts are as follows:

Driver:
front seat - seat belt must be worn if fitted
responsibility - driver

Child under three
front seat - appropriate restraints must be worn
rear seat - appropriate restraints must be worn if fitted
responsibility - driver

Child aged three to 11 and under 1.5m in height
front seat - appropriate child restraint must be worn if available. If not an adult seat belt must be worn if fitted
rear seat - appropriate child restraint must be worn if available. If not an adult seat belt must be worn if fitted
responsibility - driver

Child aged 12 or 13 or younger child 1.5m in height
front seat - adult seat belt must be worn if fitted
rear seat - adult seat belt must be worn if fitted
responsibility - driver

Adult passengers
front seat - seat belt must be worn if fitted
rear seat - seat belt must be worn if fitted
responsibility - passenger

Owen explains the guidelines for pregnant passengers: ‘If you have a pregnant passenger, she still has to wear a seatbelt. The lap belt should go under the bump across both hip bones, while the diagonal strip goes across the chest as normal.’

According to Owen, this is just the first step: ‘If you are going on a long journey you need to keep your passengers’ minds occupied, tempers even, and hands away from danger.’

Methods include:

use child locks if fitted to ensure that curious fingers do not cause problems
when loading up the car do not squash things in too tightly, leave room so that passengers feel comfortable
keep some appropriate toys and games available
do not allow anything to be stored on the back shelf; if the car comes to a sudden halt, items placed there could fly off and hurt vulnerable passengers
take care when using electric windows; even with anti-trap devices little fingers can get caught and hurt
if emotions run high stop the car as soon as possible; problems are best dealt with while stationary
place sunshades on rear windows to protect children from too much sun, and to prevent nausea
build regular rest breaks into your journey plans as children need to stretch their legs and use the toilet

If you feel you need to buy any child seats or sun visors, or want to upgrade your seatbelts, and do not know where to look visit rmif.co.uk and click on the ‘find a service’ function. Alternatively call the RMIF Consumer Motorline – 08457 58 53 50 and you will be able to find retailers in your area.

You will also find details of RMIF members that sell new and used cars or motorcycles, provide vehicle servicing and repair, run vehicle auctions, sell petrol, and deal in cherished number plates.

Owen explains: ‘Businesses that belong to the RMI are bound by the conditions of their membership to provide a good service to their customers.’

‘When having a service or any form of work carried out on your car use a reputable garage, be it the dealer who sold you the car or, a local independent garage. If the supplying garage is too far away for such jobs, a local RMIF member would be happy to support you with service.

‘A member will be able to advise you on the type of service you need, and will be able to point out potential problem areas before they arise, or become serious. In fact, whether you want to buy or sell a new or used car or motorcycle, service or repair your existing vehicle, find an auction house, or a cherished number plate dealer, the RMIF will be able to help you.

‘If you have a complaint against an RMIF member garage, the RMIF’s National Conciliation Service should be able to help you seek redress, if the problem cannot be solved in direct consultation with that member.’

Owen concludes: ‘Once you have strapped your family in, provided some amusement for them, and you are finally on your way, relax. So long as you remain calm everything should be fine, and remember that your family will be behind you all the way, literally!’