CHILD SAFETY

Waimarino Bulletin, Volume 3, Issue 24, 5 November 1985, Page 2

CHILD SAFETY

Sir, Are the roads of the Waimarino an 'accident free zone?' Or are our children of no value to us? 1 am constantly amazed by the number of people who drive with a baby or young child travelling in the front seat. Often these little ones are standing up, or sitting with their heads close to the windscreen.

Last month, an 1 8 monthold child was thrown out of his father's lap and out of the car when the driver swerved to avoid a dog at Waiuku. Will the next child killed be one of yours? Child car passengers are now . protected by the law. They must wear safety belts if the vehicle is fitted with them, and must not travel in the front seat unless they are 'belted-up'. It is also very dangerous for a child to share a seat belt with an adult, because in a sudden stop, the child would be squashed between the adult and the belt. Come on, you loving parents and grandparents. This is a great place to bring up our kids — so make sure the children you care about travel safely, and don't need the services of the rescue helicopter! Injury, particularly head injury, can be devastating to a child and a family. Our children are precious so let's look after them. No one else can do it for us.

Louise

Reynolds