Limerick Drivers Urged to Verify Child Car Seat Safety

Parents and guardians in Limerick are being urged to ensure that child car seats are fitted correctly, as recent figures from the Road Safety Authority (RSA) indicate that over half of the car seats inspected are improperly installed. This initiative aims to enhance child safety during car travel and will feature a special Check it Fits service available on two days this month.

According to the RSA, a staggering 54% of child car seats are not fitted correctly, posing significant risks in the event of a collision. Alarmingly, nearly a third of these seats require major adjustments, highlighting the urgent need for parents to verify their installations. If a seat is not secured properly, the chances of serious or fatal injuries increase dramatically.

Ron Richardson, lead checker for the RSA, emphasized the importance of having a correctly fitted car seat. “Having a correctly fitted car seat is a simple measure parents, grandparents, and guardians can take to ensure children are safe while travelling by car,” he stated. He encouraged those in Limerick to take advantage of the upcoming service, which provides reassurance that their children are travelling safely.

The Check it Fits service will be available on February 12, 2024, at Smyth’s Toys Superstores in Parkway, and on February 13, 2024, at Aldi in Castletroy. The service operates from 10:00 to 17:30 and takes between 10 and 15 minutes per car seat. Importantly, this service is free of charge and does not require an appointment, making it accessible for all families in the area.

Richardson also noted that an excessively loose car seat can render the installation nearly ineffective. This check provides parents and guardians with peace of mind, knowing they have taken a crucial step towards safeguarding their children during travel.

For further details on the Check it Fits service, visit the RSA’s official website at www.rsa.ie/checkitfits. This initiative is a vital opportunity for families to enhance the safety of their young passengers while on the road.