The aim of this project was to review schemes and initiatives providing practical advice and help for members of the public about choosing and fitting child restraints. This project has not examined advice available via websites, leaflets or other educational or publicity material. In 2001, 14,415 children aged 15 years and under were injured whilst travelling in a car. 4,885 were front seat occupants and 9,530 were rear seat passengers. This included 75 children killed and 938 seriously injured. Year on year the figures are reducing but the Government has set a target that by 2010 there will be a 50% reduction, compared with the average for 1994-98, in the number of children killed or seriously injured in crashes on our roads. The proper use of child car restraints would prevent many of these casualties and would reduce the severity of the injury sustained in others. The law on using child car restraints is summarised at Appendix 1. To be effective, child restraints must be fitted and used correctly. Numerous surveys have revealed that on average, two-thirds of child restraints are not fitted correctly. These figures are corroborated by the responses we have received to this review. (Author/publisher)
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