More than half of child car seats checked across Ireland are not fitted correctly, according to new figures from the Road Safety Authority. The findings show that 54 percent of seats inspected required adjustments to ensure children were travelling safely.
The RSA has also found that almost one in three incorrectly fitted seats needed major changes, raising serious concerns about the level of risk faced by children in the event of a road collision. An improperly fitted car seat can significantly increase the chances of serious or fatal injury.
The figures have been released as the RSA confirms its Check It Fits service is returning to the road and will be visiting County Louth on 14 and 15 January. The free service offers parents, grandparents and guardians the opportunity to have child car seats professionally checked by trained experts.
While car seats may appear straightforward to install, the RSA says mistakes are common. Many of the issues identified relate to seats being too loose, seatbelts being twisted or restraints not being secured correctly. In some cases, the fitting was so poor that the seat would provide little protection in a collision.
The RSA says these problems are not due to carelessness but a lack of information, and the Check It Fits service aims to address this through education and practical demonstrations.
Lead checker Ron Richardson said the service consistently shows that a significant number of car seats are not installed properly, with 30 percent requiring major adjustments. He said ensuring a correct fit is one of the simplest steps adults can take to protect children while travelling and encouraged families to attend the Louth checks for peace of mind.
Each check takes between 10 and 15 minutes and the service will operate from 10.00am to 5.30pm on both days. It is a walk-in service and no appointment is required.
The RSA is reminding parents and guardians that child car seats should be checked regularly, as fittings can loosen over time or be affected when seats are moved between vehicles. If issues are identified, Check It Fits experts will explain how to correct them and demonstrate the proper way to secure the seat.
Further information on the service is available at www.rsa.ie/checkitfits
