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Seat checks reveal 'shocking' statistic

Child seat safety checks carried out by Redcar and Cleveland's road safety team showed that lives are being put at risk by parents fitting seats in the front of their vehicles.

Despite manufacturers' warnings that the force of an activated airbag would kill a child in a front-fitted seat, the on-the-spot checks revealed that nine out of 79 ignored the advice. Further analysis revealed other problems including loose and twisted seat belts and loose clips. In 10 incidents a passenger allowed a child to sit on their lap with no child seat.

"Just four of the 79 tests passed with seats fitted correctly - a shocking statistic," said Mike Hall the Council's road safety manager.

"We hoped to see significant improvement from the tests we carried out last year, when 90 out of 100 were fitted incorrectly," said councillor Eric Empson . "This time it's probably worse and far more worrying, particularly with the number of front car safety seats fitted. And these are caring parents, who have asked for help."

The Council's road safety team is out and about this summer at events, offering free checks and giving out information leaflets.

To read the full press release go to: www.redcar-cleveland.gov.uk