NS Gets Failing Grade in Children’s Car Safety
The summer season is approaching and an increase in road travel is expected. Nova Scotia RCMP Traffic Services emphasises the critical importance of properly securing children in vehicles.
Last week, RCMP Traffic Services, Springhill Fire Department, and local first responders, conducted a traffic check stop in Springhill in an effort to make roads safer for our youngest, most vulnerable passengers.
Sadly, all vehicles inspected required some form of adjustment, from improper use of restraints to missing car seats.
Over the next few weeks, RCMP will be increasing check stops in Cumberland County, with a particular focus on enforcing car seat safety regulations.
Katherine Hutka, of the IWK Child Safety Link says, “A roadside study in Atlantic Canada found that while nearly all children were buckled in some way, 73% of car seats were used or installed incorrectly.”
Drivers are reminded that Nova Scotia has mandatory booster seat legislation which includes:
- Children must weigh a minimum of 40 pounds before moving to a booster seat
- They must continue to use a booster seat until they are 4-feet-9 inches tall, or nine years old
Follow these car seat safety tips:
- Make sure your child is in the right seat for their age, weight, height, and development
- Always follow the instructions for your car seat or booster seat
- Make sure your child is safely buckled on every ride, including when travelling with grandparents, friends and in taxis
Add your comments below.