SPONSORED EDITORIAL

Are you aware of the dangers of babies and children travelling in cars while inadequately restrained?

With shocking county figures from 2018 revealing that almost 70% of all baby and child car seats checked across Kent are incorrectly fitted, a new awareness campaign will soon be launched to highlight the dangers and provide advice on anything which puts a child at risk while travelling in a car.

KCC’s Road Safety team run free car seat clinics to give advice and check the safety and condition of car seats, particularly in areas such as incorrectly fitted harnesses.

CLICK HERE TO FIND OUT MORE ABOUT KCC'S CAR SEAT CLINIC CAMPAIGN IN 2019
Sometimes a minor adjustment to the harness can mean the difference between life and death.

Apart from the checks, the team will also be on hand to highlight major problems such as a car seat incompatible with the car, a damaged car seat or a wrong size seat for a child.

If you are not able to attend one of our clinics, then check out the KCC Road Safety Facebook page for more information.

KCC Road Safety have created short videos showing some of the major problems found when checking child car seats. For example, do you know what Buckle Crunch is?

We recommend getting advice from retailers and vehicle manufacturer if you have concerns. Always check with the retailer that they have trained fitters available to demonstrate the seat in the car before purchasing.

See the table on our website suggesting questions you should ask retailers.

Remember the safe restraining of children in vehicles is vital to help save lives.

Failure to comply with current car seat safety laws carries up to a £500 penalty.

Free car seat clinics taking place between 9.45am and 12.45pm:

May 21, 2019: Sainsburys Northfleet (D11 8JH)

June 25, 2019: Sainsburys Larkfield (ME20 7NA)

July 30, 2019: Sainsburys Bybrook (TN24 8YN)

August 20, 2019: Hop Farm Paddock Wood (TN12 6PY)

CLICK HERE TO FIND OUT MORE ABOUT KCC'S CAR SEAT CLINIC CAMPAIGN IN 2019