Have you had your child restraints checked to see if they are fitted correctly?
Parkes and Forbes Shire Councils are ensuring that children are safe and secure when travelling in vehicles, by offering free child restraint checks by Authorised Child Restraint Fitters in Forbes on Wednesday 18 September and in Parkes on Friday 20 September 2024.
The Council’s Road Safety and Injury Prevention Officer, Melanie Suitor, says that these free child restraint checking days are held bi-annually, are well patronised and are important in ensuring the safe travel of young children.
“The correct fitting and adjustment of child restraints is vital. Research shows that two out of three child restraints are not being used properly and this puts children at risk of injury in the event of a crash.
“Most of the restraints we have checked at previous events have had minor problems that needed fixing to ensure the safety of the child – such as tightening and untwisting straps, fitting gated buckles and correcting the seatbelt’s path through the restraint.
“It is important to have your child restraint checked regularly after prolonged use and installed correctly before use to ensure that your precious cargo is safe” Ms Suitor said.
The upcoming child restraint checking days will be held in Forbes on Wednesday 18th September from 11am – 3pm and in the carpark at Lions Park, and in Parkes on Friday 20th September from 11am – 3pm in the carpark at Kelly Reserve. Bookings are essential, simply phone 6861 2364 to secure your place.
Information about the child restraint laws, the types of restraints and advice on moving children from one restraint type to the next will also be available.
For further information about the free child restraint checking days or to book in, please contact Parkes, Forbes and Lachlan Shire Councils, Road Safety and Injury Prevention Officer, Melanie Suitor on (02) 6861 2364.