Since November 2003, 10,500 South Australians placed their child’s safety in the hands of Australian Red Cross by having their car seat properly installed. 

“We see an alarming number of people who aren’t aware of the potential dangers of not restraining their child correctly. It is an extremely worrying issue,” said Bernadette Donaldson, Regional Manager of Australian Red Cross, South Australia.

Studies by Transport SA show that a child, that is unrestrained or improperly restrained, will be ejected at the same speed the car was traveling on impact. 60 kilometers an hour doesn’t seem fast to some, but when you’re thrown uncontrollably in or out of a vehicle, it is!

“If a child is not properly restrained in an accident, it can simply mean the difference between serious injuries or death. Accidents can result in irreparable damage, which is preventable by the simple action of making sure your child’s car seat is fitted properly,” said Ms Donaldson. 

Australian Red Cross is the one of the leading agencies in South Australia making sure that South Australian children travel as safely as possible.

The installation of a car seat and restraint only takes 15 minutes. The best 15 minutes you could possibly spend to ensure your child’s safety.

If you are caught driving your child without a proper restraint, then you will incur a $185 fine and 3 demerit points.

“It’s a timely reminder to ensure that people are doing all they can to protect their child in case of an accident with the long weekend fast approaching,” concluded Ms Donaldson.

Australian Red Cross safetystores are located at Mile End and Hampstead Gardens.

AVAILABLE FOR INTERVIEW 

• Bernadette Donaldson, Regional Manager, Commercial Services, Australian Red Cross, South Australia