Keep kiwi kids safe in cars this Labour weekend

Media Release

21 October 2013
For immediate release

Plunket: Keep kiwi kids safe in cars this Labour weekend

Plunket is urging New Zealand families to think about their kids’ safety while they’re on the roads this holiday weekend.

“Over this weekend have a great break, enjoy time with family and friends and remember everyone has to be properly buckled up”, says Sue Campbell, Plunket’s National Child Safety Advisor.

“Car crashes are one of the biggest dangers to New Zealand children. We have one of the highest child road fatality rates in the OECD. Around five children are killed or injured every week on this country’s roads. The simple truth is that car seats save lives”, she says.

If you are unsure about your child’s car seat installation, or you need to hire an additional car seat for visiting children over Labour weekend, Plunket recommend getting expert assistance from a child restraint technician. Child restraint technicians are available through Plunket Car Seat Services, and at a number of other hire outlets or retailers.

The technician can also advise about the best car seat for your child’s age and size, and one that is best suited to your car.

Children need to be buckled into a car seat every time they are riding in the car, no matter how short the journey. Babies need to be in a car seat from their very first ride.

The law currently requires all children under five to be in an appropriate child restraint. From 1 November a new law comes into effect which requires children to be in a restraint until their seventh birthday.

For information on a Plunket Car Seat Service near you, contact your local Plunket or visit www.plunket.org.nz and for information about the law change relating to car seats, visit www.nzta.govt.nz

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