Child Seats
New regulations governing the use of child car seats came into force on 18 September 2006. We have run advertising from July to September in press, radio and online to advise parent and carers about the new regulations governing the use of child car seats. Stephen Ladyman, Road Safety Minister said:
"Most people make sure that children use some kind of restraint when travelling on the road, but it is vitally important to use the right one; and not to use an adult belt before the child is big enough. "Small children need the protection that baby seats and child seats are designed to provide. Seat belts are designed for adults. Children who have grown out of child seats still need to use booster seats and booster cushions.
"We estimate that these changes could prevent over 2000 child deaths or injuries each year." -> More
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Avoiding Low Bridges
Every day, on average, 10 vehicles crash into bridges too low for them, sometimes killing the driver. Many drivers don't seem to know the height of their vehicle, although by law this should be written on a notice in the cab, which they can check to see if it's safe to go under a low bridge. Even when an in-cab height indicator has been fitted, many drivers don't know what it's there for.
If you drive a high vehicle you should:
- Check the in-cab indicator;
- Remember your vehicle height;
- Plan your route to avoid bridges that are too low for you to clear safely;
- Remember that only bridges with less than 16'3" safe clearance will be marked on a map; and
- Check the bridge height sign.
