Car seat initiative addresses child road deaths

According to the Red Cross Children’s Hospital, a child is 10 times more likely to die on South Africa’s roads than a child in Switzerland.

Furthermore, 80% of severe brain injuries in children have been linked to road accidents.

In 96% of these cases, the child was not buckled up, according to the African Brain Child initiative.

It goes without saying that risk of injury or death is significantly reduced when a child is strapped into a car seat that is appropriate for their weight and height, and this is the law too.

A correctly installed child seat is often the difference between life and death.

But sadly, in these difficult financial times, many young families struggle to afford a child seat for their car.

A charitable organisation called Wheel Well is coming to the assistance of those in need, with a nationwide campaign to distribute refurbished child seats.

The charity urges motorists to donate their car seats they no longer use. The seats can be dropped off at more than 190 participating Supa Quick fitment centres – of which there are three in Zululand: Richards Bay, Empangeni and Mtubatuba.

Through their partnership with the African Brain Child, Wheel Well recently distributed 100 refurbished seats to a Supa Quick branch in Constantia, Cape Town.

Those in a position to buy new car seats should always ensure they are the correct shape and size for their child, and approved by the National Regulator for Compulsory Specifications, says FMCG executive at Dis-Chem Baby City, Ronald Govender.

“Options include snug and secure rear-facing infant seats, convertible seats, and forward-facing booster seats,” Govender advises.

A child’s age, weight and height determine which option is the best and safest for them.
It is also vital that parents set the right example for their children.

“Drivers can set a better example knowing children imitate their behaviour. If, as an adult, you choose not to wear a seat belt, the children in your car are likely to follow suit,” said Wheel Well founder Peggie Mars.

“With this initiative with Supa Quick, we are hopeful that adults will heed the call that, yes, we do have high incidences of road fatalities affecting our children. Still, we also need to admit that most of these could be avoided,” Mars added.

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