Car safety for kids

In the run up to the Easter holidays, the IAM (Institute of Advanced Motorists) has issued advice to parents on how to keep their children safe on the road, both in the car and on the pavement.

Peter Rodger, IAM Chief Examiner, said: “The key to keeping your child safe on the road is vigilance and information. Knowing which seat to use and when to use it is just as important as knowing the right way to fit it.

“You should also lead by example, as children’s behaviour is heavily influenced by their parents. Act responsibly when you drive, walk or cycle and your children will learn from your behaviour.”

More IAM road safety advice for parents:

In the Car:

Ideally a child under three should travel in the back and they must be in an appropriate child restraint, not an adult belt. Children under the age of 12 (or under 135cm tall) must use a child restraint if available. If not, it’s acceptable for an adult seat belt to be used instead.

Children aged 14 or over must always use an adult seatbelt if available.

Never put a rear facing baby seat in the front where there is an active passenger airbag.

If an appropriate restraint or seat belt is in the front, but not the back, a child aged three to 11 years old must use that.

Isofix seat mounts are the safest way to secure a baby or child seat in your car. Most seat manufacturers make products designed specifically for use with these super-strong mounting points, which are common in many modern cars, and very easy to use.

Once it’s in, grip the car seat and push it backwards and forwards- if it is fitted properly, the car should move and not the car seat.

On the Pavement:

Don't push the buggy out first when checking if it's OK to cross the road.

If your child is walking or running ahead of you on the pavement, never let them get further from you than they are from the road.