Kidsafe Victoria and Neighbourhood Houses Victoria will provide free car seat fittings and safety checks in every local government area across Victoria at various locations, including neighbourhood houses and community centres.
At these events, professional fitters will inspect child car seats to make sure they are installed and being used correctly.
Parents and carers will also be provided with information on how to check if their precious cargo is travelling safely.
“The safety of their child is a parent’s greatest responsibility and I’m proud that this program, which we promised during the election, is now being delivered,” Victorian Health Minister Jenny Mikakos said.
“The data tells us that kids are far more likely to be injured if they’re in a poorly-installed restraint. That’s why it’s crucial they are in seats that are checked by the experts.
“I urge all parents and carers to take advantage of this landmark program – it will help keep kids safe and give them the important peace of mind that their children are properly secured.”
Victoria is the first state to roll out a comprehensive state-wide fitting and safety check program after it was revealed about 70 per cent of child car restraints are not fitted or used correctly – making injury up to seven times more likely.
Kidsafe Victoria data revealed the risk of life-threatening injuries in a car accident can be four to six times greater if a child is seated in a poorly installed restraint.
Six children under 13 are killed on Victorian roads each year on average and about 160 are seriously injured.
The program is part of the Victorian Government’s $213.7 million package aimed at giving parents the support they need to give children the best start in life.
Parents and carers can register their interest to attend a child car seat safety check session at kidsafevic.com.au/road-safety/free-child-car-restraint-checking-program/
You will then be contacted when there is an update about an event in the local area.
