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Welsh Assembly plans car seat campaign

Parents in Wales are to be urged to check that babies and toddlers are safely strapped in as part of a new campaign to highlight the dangers of ill-fitting car seats.

Nearly 200 babies and toddlers are killed or seriously injured in UK car accidents every year - most on local journeys at low speeds.

New research has revealed that an unrestrained child in a vehicle collision at 30mph can be catapulted forward at a force equivalent to half a rugby scrum - around 50 stone - collapsing on top of them. Regional rugby teams from around Wales have been enlisted to help promote the campaign.

The Welsh Assembly Government campaign will coincide with UK Child Safety Week (June 20-26).   Experts will be encouraging parents to check that restraints are suitable for their child's size and the vehicle, and warning of the dangers of second hand car seats. It is estimated that around one in 10 second hand seats could be dangerous because they have been involved in an accident.

During the campaign, parents and guardians will be able to have their seats checked at a number of locations across Wales, and a new bilingual guide to fitting child car seats will be also be launched.

For further information contact Sara Long, sara.long@workingwordpr.com