Free child restraint checks next week

Forbes Shire Council is ensuring that children are safe and secure when travelling in vehicles with free child restraint checks at a local authorised child restraint fitting station next week.

The free child restraint inspections will be provided by RMS authorised child restraint fitters from 12pm to 2pm on Wednesday, June 21 at Jelbart Dawson.  Bookings are essential, phone 6861 2364 to secure your place.

Information about national child restraint laws, the types of restraints and advice on moving children from one restraint type to the next will be available. There will also be a free barbecue and a colouring-in competition for the kids with a prize worth $50.

Forbes Shire Council's Road Safety and Injury Prevention Officer Melanie Suitor said the free child restraint checking day, held every year, is usually well patronised and is important in ensuring the safe travel of young children.

"The correct fitting and adjustment of child restraints is vital.  Research shows that two out of three child restraints are not being used properly and this puts children at risk in the event of a crash,” Ms Suitor said.

"Last year 80% of the child restraints inspected were found to be installed incorrectly.  Most had minor problems that needed fixing to ensure the safety of the child, such as tightening straps, checking clips and replacing loose bolts.

“It is important to have your child restraint checked regularly after prolonged use and installed correctly before use to ensure that your precious cargo is safe.”