Tua Pulls No Punches In New Child Restraint Campaign

World number one heavyweight boxing contender David Tua is putting his might behind a new campaign to make sure children are buckled up safely when they travel.

Pacific communities are the main target as statistics show that Pacific children are 14 times as likely as other children to be injured as vehicle passengers. The injury risk is greatest for those under ten years of age living in the Auckland region.

Tua has given his time free of charge to support a Land Transport Safety Authority advertising campaign which aims to reduce the risk of injury and death to Pacific children from road crashes. He will feature in both radio and television advertisements.

The first step of the campaign is to raise awareness in the Pacific community that children are being harmed because parents and caregivers aren't restraining them properly with safety belts and child car seats.

Minister of Transport Mark Gosche said he is delighted "the Tuaman" is getting behind the child restraint campaign.

"This is literally a life and death issue for our communities, families and children. It's tremendous to have David's support for such an important cause. He's a strong man and his is a strong voice - hopefully people will listen to what he's saying and buckle our kids up," said Mr Gosche, who is also the Minister of Pacific Island Affairs.

LTSA research has found a perception among parents that there is less risk involved in short trips across town.

"This creates a casual attitude in our communities towards the use of safety belts and child seats. But the perception is dead wrong. Young children are totally vulnerable when they aren't properly restrained, and the injury statistics for Pacific children prove it."

A radio advertisement featuring Tua will run from Monday 6 November – one week out from his fight with Lennox Lewis for the world heavy weight title. Bumper stickers and temporary tattoos with a "Get it On" safety belt message (also Tua's catchphrase) will also be available through the Auckland outlets of The Warehouse and McDonalds. A television advertisement will run during the Tua documentary on TV3 and just prior to the big fight on 12 November.

The following week, other role models will also put their weight behind the advertising campaign and feature in radio and billboard advertising.

Ends

© Scoop Media