Two thirds of drivers ignorant of new car seat laws

Motoring parents are not clear about child car seat safety, research reveals ahead of a new law due to come into effect on the 18 September.

The research from car insurer Churchill shows two thirds of parents think children aged seven or over no longer need a child seat when in fact the new law stipulates children up to the age of 12 (or those under 1m 35cm) must use a safety seat. Each year around 30 children aged 11 or under are killed while travelling in cars and around 450 are seriously injured. Parents who fail to comply with the new laws could face a fine of up to £500.

The research also highlights further parental confusion around the use of car seats. It reveals as many as 85 per cent of parents did not replace the baby or child seat following a car crash. This is in spite of warnings from safety experts that all car seats – visibly damaged or not - should be replaced after an accident otherwise they may not protect a child in a future crash.

Lack of awareness is the main issue, as a quarter of UK drivers (27 per cent) don’t realise that they should replace a baby or child seat after an accident. Over half (58 per cent) of those who had crashed said they didn’t replace their baby/child seat as they couldn’t spot any damage. However, even if there is no visible damage, the force of a car accident can weaken a child seat to such an extent that it will not provide the same level of protection in another accident.

Frances Browning, spokesperson for Churchill Car Insurance said: “Our research highlights a worrying lack of awareness around child safety in cars. However, we hope that the law new will mean that parents become more conscious about safety in the car.”

Indeed, a recent Mintel report says: “Developments in car seats and boosters for older children will continue to emphasise the safety features, and parents will feel both morally and legally obliged to make sure that the seat is actually fitted correctly.”

Browning added: “Anything that makes travelling in cars safer for children can only be a good thing. As a leading motor insurer and in order to improve customer safety, Churchill will pay replacement costs for any child seats in the car - regardless of obvious damage - if a customer’s car is involved in an accident and the baby or child was in it, or if it is stolen or damaged by fire.”

The research also revealed cost is a factor in not replacing car seats after an accident. Six per cent of those who crashed think that, at an average of £60, child seats are too expensive to replace. A further six per cent thought fixing the car was a greater priority and four per cent simply ‘haven’t got round to it yet.’

In addition, a quarter of parents said they do not feel confident enough to fit a child seat correctly. Churchill recommends parents should seek the advice of a trained professional to give them peace of mind when driving. The Mintel report revealed up to 80% of car seats are not fitted properly – making this almost as dangerous as not having one at all.