Plunket Plea For Kids In Cars

20 December 2000

“Buckle them up and keep them cool” is the plea from Plunket for parents travelling with young children in motor vehicles this summer.

Sue Campbell, Plunket’s national child safety adviser, says that recent cases in Australia and New Zealand of children being left alone in cars in hot weather, is a warning to all parents and drivers.

“Heat exhaustion is a real issue for young children in hot summer months. Parents should ensure that young children are protected from the sun by attaching shade panels to car windows, providing plenty of cool drinks and never leaving a child alone in a motor vehicle,” said Sue Campbell.

She added that care should also be taken when securing children into car seats when the motor vehicle has been left in the sun.

“The seat buckles can become extremely hot causing burns or severe discomfort to young children.”

Plunket’s recent campaign drawing attention to the correct fitment of child restraints and always securing children in restraints when travelling has had overwhelming results with Plunket car seat rental schemes throughout New Zealand reporting increased inquiry from parents.

Ends

Information from: Royal New Zealand Plunket Society Inc
Sue Campbell, National Safety Adviser
Contact: Phone 03 471 9286 (work), Fax 03 477 9535; 03 454 2452 (home)
025 244 4430 (mobile)

Issued by: Joanne Ruscoe: 04 471 6252 (work); 04 479 2923 (home)
025 925 733 (mobile)

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