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Child restrain systems

Safety belts are designed mainly for adults and older children. Child safety protection laws make it compulsory for all children to use the correct child seat, booster seat or booster cushion. Smaller children - under 150 centimetres and less than 36 kilograms - must be restrained in an appropriate child restraint system when travelling in a passenger car or goods vehicle. Examples of appropriate restraint systems are baby car seats and booster seats.

You must comply with the following:

• Where safety belts have been fitted, they must be worn.
• Children under 3 years of age must not travel in a car or goods vehicle (other than a taxi) unless restrained in the correct child seat.
• Children aged 3 years or over who are under 150cms in height and weighing less than 36 kilograms (i.e. generally children up to 11/12 years old) must use the correct child seat or booster cushion when travelling in cars or goods vehicles.
• Children over 3 years of age must travel in a rear seat in vehicles not fitted with safety belts.
• A rearward-facing child car seat must not be used in the front passenger seat of cars with active airbags.
• A child car seat must be in accordance with EU or United Nations - Economic Commission for Europe (UN-ECE) standards.
• Make sure passengers aged under 17 use the correct seat, booster seat, booster cushion or seatbelt. All drivers are legally responsible for this.

Booster seat
Weight: 15-23kgs (33-55lbs)
Approximate age range: 4-6 years

Ensuring a child is properly restrained in a child car seat can reduce injuries by a factor of 90-95% for rear-facing seats and 60% for forward-facing seats (source: AA Motoring Trust).

What to remember when using child restraints

• Use the correct restraint for each child.
• Use the child seat for every journey, no matter how short.
• For young children, choose a seat that:
  • bears an E mark (meaning that it meets United Nations Standard ECE Regulation 44 03),
  • suits the child's weight and height, and
  • is suitable for the type of car.
• The best advice is not to buy or use a second hand car seat.
• Fit the child seat correctly, according to the manufacturer's instructions. It is safer to fit the seat in the back seat of your car.

It is recommended that you buy a child car seat only from a retailer who will check it fits. Make sure it fits your child and your car. For further information go to www.rsa.ie.

Restraints for passengers under 17

By law, the driver of a passenger car or goods vehicle is responsible for passengers under 17 years of age wearing a safety belt or an appropriate child restraint. You may receive up to 4 penalty points if your passengers in this age group are not belted or restrained.

If you would like more information, you can get a booklet and DVD called Child Safety in Cars from the Road Safety Authority. Lo-Call 1890 50 60 80.