As families across South Africa prepare for their annual December road trips, the Motor Industry Workshop Association (MIWA), an association of the Retail Motor Industry Organisation (RMI), is calling on parents and caregivers to make child safety a non-negotiable, no matter how old the children are.

While awareness around car seats for babies and toddlers has improved significantly in recent years, older children are still frequently placed at risk, says Dewald Ranft, chairperson of MIWA.

“Many people assume that once children are out of their car seats, they no longer need structured supervision in the car,” he explains.

“Every child, regardless of age, needs to be correctly restrained. Even harsh braking at 60km/h can send an unbuckled child flying forward inside the vehicle with devastating consequences.”

With long distances, festive excitement and packed vehicles, older children often:
• Ride without seat belts,
• Kneel, stand or move around between seats,
• Lean out of windows,
• Annoy siblings or distract the driver, or
• Sit in unsafe positions, including the front seat.

“These behaviours may seem harmless or playful, especially when children are bored or restless,” says Ranft.

“They increase the risk of severe injury. We continue to see cases where children are thrown through windscreens or side windows because they were not strapped in.”
A firm ‘no’ to riding in the back of a bakkie

Ranft emphasises that allowing children to travel on the back of a bakkie, canopy or not, remains extremely dangerous.

“Vehicles today travel far faster than they did 20 years ago. In a collision or rollover, children in the back of a bakkie have almost no protection and are violently thrown around. It is simply not worth the risk.”

Research and safety organisations confirm that a very high proportion of child car seats in South Africa are incorrectly installed. Figures vary, but studies and reports consistently show that between 50% and 70% of car seats are misused or improperly fitted, often due to loose straps, wrong anchor points or using a seat that is not age- or weight-appropriate.

“Before any long trip, parents should double-check the installation, make sure the seat is the right size and ensure harnesses are snug,” says Ranft.
Helpful tips for a safer, smoother journey

Set non-negotiable ground rules
• Everyone is buckled up.
• No leaning out of windows.
• No distracting the driver.
• No arguments about seating positions – safety comes first.
• Break the trip into manageable segments.
“Long journeys are tough on little ones,” says Ranft.
“Plan regular stops where children can stretch, run around and burn off some energy.”
Choose stops with safe play areas or open space to help reduce restlessness later in the drive.
Keep children entertained and comfortable
Snacks, audiobooks, drawing pads, puzzles, educational games and pre-downloaded movies all help keep children seated and calm. Make sure the car is well-ventilated, and everyone has water.
Store luggage safely
Loose items become projectiles during sudden stops. Pack heavy bags in the boot and secure lightweight items away from children.
Ask for expert advice if needed
Your local MIWA-accredited workshop can assist with car seat checks, vehicle readiness inspections and practical guidance for family travel.

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