Car Insurance - Safety first child restraints

New UK regulations are coming into force to improvechild it's probably worth investing in a seat that can be
children's safety whilst travelling in a car. This articleadjusted as your child grows.
explains.For an idea of what you'd have to pay for a seat that
September 2006 will see the introduction of new lawswould take your child from 9 months to 12 years, the
regarding child restraints in cars.Recaro Start seat can be bought for around
Current laws state: - Children aged three to 11£200.
(inclusive) and less than 150cm tall are permitted toThere's the Evolva 23 seat, from Britax, which is
travel in an adult seat belt if no child restraint is fitted.adjustable and suitable for children weighing from15kg
New legislation says: - Children aged three to 11 andto 36kg and up to 135cm (4ft 5ins). The back of the
under 135cm have to be seated in child seat orseat can be extended as the child grows, so that the
booster (designed to be used with an adult belt),head is always supported. This costs around £65.
suitable for their age and weight.For a baby of up to 9 months, or around 13kg, a rear
Children taller than 135cm (4ft 5ins) or aged 12 or overfacing approved car seat is acceptable, fitted on either
must wear an adult seat belt where one is fitted.the front passenger seat or in the back of the car. It
The driver is responsible for ensuring these rules aremust no be used in the front if an airbag is fitted.
complied with until the child reaches the age of 14,It's extremely important that the seat is fitted properly,
when they must take responsibility for their ownand many suppliers offer a fitting service. Do
safety.remember that it's important that before you have the
The Department of Transport believes that, by makingseat fitted; make sure it fits your child.
sure that children are securely restrained and notThe 18 September is the date that the Department of
allowed to use adult seatbelts until they are sufficientlyTransport is aiming for, so remember, after this date
tall for them to work in the proper manner, 2,000 childyou need to comply with the new rules.
injuries and deaths will be prevented.These laws are to be taken seriously. Parents and
The penalty for failing to comply with these regulationsregular carers are not the only ones who need to be
will be a fixed penalty fine of £30 or, if the case"car seat ready". You may occasionally take your, say
proceeds to court, a fine of up to a maximum of9 year old, grandchild out with you. The big difference
£500.there is that, prior to September 18; no special steps
Exceptions will be allowed in emergencies, cars withouthad to be taken. After this date you'll need to equip
seatbelts, and when children are passengers in taxis.yourself with a seat or booster.
Information on child-seat safety can be obtained fromIf you are in the unfortunate position of being involved
the Child Accident Prevention Trust, or from thein an accident, and if your child or children are not
government's website there's a question and answertravelling in an approved car seat or booster, your
section on government website which is veryinsurance may not be willing to pay out, resulting in
comprehensive and seems to answer every questionwhat could be a considerable personal claim against
you could think of.the driver, whose responsibility it is.
There's a good choice of car seats available, and youParents and (even occasional) carers please take
should always ensure that they are made to conformnote.
to the European Union safety standards. For a young