New Car Seat Campaign In SG

[Yahoooooo]

New campaign on use of child seats targets parents

 
Channel NewsAsia - Thursday, May 1SINGAPORE :

Three agencies have joined hands to launch a new campaign on the importance of child seats in vehicles.

 
The Traffic Police, Thomson Medical Centre and Volvo Cars want parents to realise that using child seats can help save lives, in the event of an accident.

KK Women’s and Children’s Hospital saw about 130 cases of injured children in car accidents in 2006. But last year, that figure went down to about 100.

The hospital said head injuries and limb fractures are common in such cases.

The "Child Seats Save Little Lives" campaign is timely as it comes on the back of recent accidents involving children.

"A lot of (parents) are not belting up their children. Through this education and outreach programme, we (hope to) reach out to them and change their mindset," said Commander Christopher Ng, Traffic Police Department.

Karen Koh is one parent who did not put her daughter Chloe in a car seat until she was eight months old. Since then, three—year—old Chloe is strapped down every time she’s in a car.

"(I used to just hold her in my arms). But after reading a lot and doing my own research, I realised that belting her up is very important. That’s why I went to buy one (child seat)," said Koh.

Another parent, Carol Lim said: "I put them in a child seat (since they were young), so now they are used to it. A lot of parents struggle when the children throw tantrums, so they tend to carry them instead. But for me, I’ll just try to distract them, like give them toys or ... some things to munch on to distract their attention."

Paediatricians said injuries involving unrestrained children in car accidents include bruises and muscle pull.

"A sudden brake may cause the child to be hit harder and that can cause concussion or even a blood vessel tear, which may cause bleeding in the brain, and that’s serious. What’s more, the child may be thrown out of the car or hit an object in front. That can cause fractures as well. These injuries are serious and totally unnecessary, if only you strap the child (in a car seat)," said Dr Ang Poon Liat, Consultant Paediatrician, Paediatric Centre at Thomson Medical Centre.

According to some statistics, a child fastened in a rearward—facing child seat is 90 percent less likely to be injured in an accident, compared to one who is not restrained, like in the arms of a parent.

In Singapore, it is compulsory for all children below age 8 to be secured in a car seat. Offenders will be fined S$120 and receive three demerit points. — CNA /ls

[great to see]

I think it is great to see that they are doign a campaign for this. Educating the parents is so important.  Seeing so many unrestrained children here in cars every day. Children adapt very quickly to using car seats and restraints.  The view out the window is better too.

[Caligirl]

I'm surprised to read that it's compulsary for kids under the age of 8 to be in car seats. I've lost count of the number of unrestrained kids I've seen here.

In addition to the awareness campaign, perhaps it would be even more effective to actually start imposing those $120 fines on a very regular basis (I suspect that just hanging out on any major road would net dozens of offenders per hour). In my nearly three years of living here, I've never seen a traffic citation being issued (though I've almost been roadkill about 100 times when people have run stop signs without halting). However, I am glad that the Traffic Police, Volvo & TMC are doing something to address the lack of child safety compliance.

[FINALLY !]

Finally thank god they are going to do something about it.  It makes my blood boil when I see babies/toddlers etc unrestrained in cars, its just SO dangerous.  I honestly have to stop myself from taking their registration number and reporting them to the police.  Not sure if the police would do anything and I would probably get done for harassment!!!

[Taxi Worry]

My 2 year old is always belted up in her child seat when in our car (when hubby drives). Since, I don't know driving, either my maid or myself take her in taxis to her school, etc. We just hold her in our arms then. What do I do? I thought that it was always safer for me to hold her than strap her up in adult's seat belt in the middle!??! Am I wrongh?

[To Taxi Worry]

Taxi Worry -- Try one of the children's shops at the Paragon or Great World City and buy a portable safety restraint for your daughter. Two brands we've used are the Tote 'N Go (by Cosco) and the JoeySafe. If you can't find the Tote 'N Go here, you can order one from the U.S. They are relatively inexpensive but meet (U.S.) federal safety standards.

[Traffic Police]

Yes I'd love to see some traffic police also.  They just need to park outside my daughter's school to nab a whole heap of them.  Unfortunately I do have to say the offenders at my daughter's school are the Singaporean families.  I think upping the demerit points would probably make more people sit up and belt up.

[hoohaar]

yip, where the heck are they?  Drove past Tanjong Katong Primamry a while back at pick up time and some bint had actually parked on the school crossing line. One little boy unaccompanied had to squeeze between her car, peep out and cross.  Thank God I was going slow and looking out for any kids or he could have been badly hurt. Had a word with her about the safety aspect but she just looked at me blankly.

[newbornsT]

They need to target all the hospitals in Singapore for the use of car seats. I find it unbelievable that many of the hospitals offer a "limousine" service for newborn babies and parents without using cars with car seats! It's shocking to even think about putting a newborn baby (or any child for that matter) into a car without a car seat. It's about time something is done before it's too late for kids who rely on ignorant parents to get hurt.

[Taxi Worry]

To 'To Taxi Worry'.Thankyou very much for that.

Also, I just wondered, if I was one of the very few (or only!) expat with a 2 year old on the lap in Taxis. What do other non-self-driving mums do? Only looking for more helpful advice. Its funny how, if my 2 year old makes a fuss to go in her seat in our own car, I get paranoid and make sure that she does. May be because it is a high/tall model, Hyunadi, Santa FE. But if I am in a taxi with her on my lap, I am not worried. Probably....lulled into false security! 

[belt up]

Glad to see that Singapore are finally getting more serious about this.  Although if it is already the law, why don't they enforce it - they enforce other, less serious laws (like littering!).