Are your kids safe this Christmas?

With thousands of cars transporting excited children around this festive season, What Car? has revealed that a huge number of child seats are wrongly fitted or are not being used at all.

What Car?’s research team found that 65% of parents had not fitted their child seats correctly, while only 35% of parents knew the specifics of new child seat laws that aim to prevent more than 2000 child fatalities or injuries a year.

The law about children and car seats changed on the 18th September. All children must use a child seat up to their 12th birthday or when they reach 135cms height, whichever comes first.

What Car? editor and father of three, Steve Fowler said: ‘Nobody would knowingly put their children at risk, which is why we find it hard to believe how ill-informed parents are about how to fit child seats correctly. Parents need to take more responsibility for the safety of their children in cars.’

In the summer the Government spent £600,000 on a publicity campaign to tell parents about the new laws but What Car?’s research shows that many still haven’t got the message.

‘If the Government is serious about its new legislation it should step up its publicity with television advertising so all parents are clear about the new laws,’ added Steve Fowler.

Under the new laws the driver of the vehicle is the person responsible for the safety of their infant passengers and could be liable for a £30 fixed penalty or face a £500 fine if the case goes to court.

Steve Fowler explained: ‘You can buy a booster seat for as little as £10. Many shops have trained advisers who can help you choose the right seat for your car. So take your child along and explain why it’s such an important buy for the Christmas Holidays. It could be the best £10 you ever spend.’