DoE seatbelt warning as kids go back to school

The DoE has issued a stark warning to parents whose kids are back to school this morning – "children are more than twice as likely to be killed if they are not wearing a seatbelt".

DoE Chief Road Safety Education Officer David Young revealed that 25% of children aged between 5 and 13 years and 13% of children aged between 1 and 4 years still travel unrestrained in the back of a car.

He added: “If you have a collision your child is more than twice as likely to be killed or seriously injured if not wearing a seatbelt. Contrary to popular belief, children in the back are at risk as well as those travelling in the front.

“You must do everything in your power to ensure the safety of your young ones. There is nothing more fragile than a child unprotected in a vehicle. Take a few seconds, that’s all it takes, to make sure everyone in the car, back and front, is properly belted up. In the event of a collision a seatbelt may save your child’s life.

“Children look to their parents for direction, so those of you who do not wear seatbelts are not setting a good example. Remember you are responsible for your child’s safety. So at the beginning of this school year lets all play our part – No Seatbelt No Excuse."

(MB)