Parents will be able to check that their child's car seat is fitted correctly at a free event next week.
EU law requires all children to travel in a car seat, booster seat or booster cushion. Drivers have a legal responsibility to ensure that children under the age of 17 are restrained properly while travelling and risk facing a maximum fine of €2000.
The RSA is hosting its free Check it Fits service on January 17 to ensure safe travel for children. The event will take place free of charge at Tesco Superstore, Artane Castle Shopping Centre, from 10am to 5.30pm.
READ MORE: Brave dog attack victim returns home from Dublin hospital as family says 'the nightmare is over'
Walk ins throughout the day are welcome, with the car seat check itself taking a mere 10-15 minutes. The free service is touring around the country after a two year absence due to the Covid-19 pandemic.
Research found that 56 per cent of car seats were fitted incorrectly and needed some type of adjustment to keep children secure. Worryingly, a third of all fitted car seats warranted major adjustments, posing significant risks to child passengers.
Senior Road Safety Promotion Officer for the RSA Aisling Sloyen commented: "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. I would encourage people to visit the Check it Fits service when it comes to County Dublin and give yourself the peace of mind that your children are travelling safely.”
The law requires all children under 150cm or 36 kg to use child a restraint system relevant height and weight. There is no law that prohibits children from sitting in the front seat of a vehicle, as long as they are using the correct child restraint system.
READ MORE
Popular Dublin restaurant to close after pandemic 'deals massive blow'
Flu vaccine walk-in clinics to open for children aged two to 17
Covid Kraken variant arrives in Ireland - what symptoms to expect
Dublin has a new millionaire as lucky punter nabs Daily Million jackpot
- Colin Farrell honoured at US film festival ahead of Oscars
Sign up to the Dublin Live Newsletter to get all the latest Dublin news straight to your inbox.
