New child car seat regulations are now the law

From 18 September 2006, a new law will come into effect which makes it mandatory for parents to use the correct child seat for their child's weight, height and age. This follows recent research about preventative measures that can be taken to avoid whiplash as a result of car accidents.

The regulations state that any child under three must use the child restraint appropriate for their weight in any vehicle. Rear-facing baby seats cannot be used in a seat protected by an air-bag unless the latter has been deactivated, otherwise it could inflate and put the baby at risk of a serious personal injury.

Rear-facing seats may be used for babies in the back seat, unless side-impact airbags are fitted, as they reduce the likelihood of a whiplash injury. This is because the baby is not propelled forwards at the time of impact. If using a second-hand rear-facing child seat, parents should make sure that it is up-to-date and has the correct fitting instructions. If the history of the second-hand rear-facing child seat is not known, it should not be used.

Guide to child car seats according to weight
Children up to 13 kgs (with an approximate age of 9-12 months) have to use rear-facing baby seats; children 9 kgs to 18 kgs (nine months to four years) have to use forward-facing child seats; children 15kgs and up (from approximately four years) must use booster seats and children more than 22 kgs (from approximately six years) must use booster cushions.

A useful page about car seat products and the new car seat laws can be found on the John Lewis website at www.johnlewis.com

New regulations
The new law states that from September parents must use the correct restraint for children under three that is appropriate for their weight and children aged three to twelve years old or up to 135cm in height must also use a child restraint.

People driving with child passengers will be issued with a 30 fixed penalty notice or fined 500 in court if they don't comply with the new laws. Car seats have subsequently been a hot product in retail outlets across the country since the laws were announced, with Halfords reporting that their sales had doubled since last year.

Stephen Ladyman, Road Safety Minister says of the new changes: "Most people make sure that children use some kind of restraint when travelling on the road, but it is vitally important to use the right one; and not to use an adult belt before the child is big enough.

"Small children need the protection [from whiplash and other injuries] that baby seats and child seats are designed to provide. Seat belts are designed for adults. Children who have grown out of child seats still need to use booster seats and booster cushions. We estimate that these changes could prevent over 2000 child deaths or injuries each year."

Read more about child car seats and seatbelts at www.childcarseats.org, www.thinkseatbelts.com and www.thinkroadsafety.gov.uk.

Making a whiplash personal injury compensation claim
When a non-fault car accident occurs that results in a personal injury such as whiplash, the driver or passenger can usually make a claim. Thousands of accidents resulting in neck and back pain happen every year in the UK.

Here at YouClaim have a no win no fee policy and you won't have to pay a single penny, no matter what the outcome of your case. Our solicitors have an excellent success rate and all compensation awarded will go directly to you.

If you are suffering from whiplash and believe you may be in a position to make a claim, give us a call on 0800 10 757 95 and set your compensation claim in motion.