The Andrews Labor Government is delivering on its commitment to provide Victorian families with free, expert child car seat fittings and safety checks to keep their little passengers safe. Minister for Health Jenny Mikakos recently visited the Span Community House in Thornbury to officially launch the new $4 million Safe Seats, Safe Kids program. “The safety of their child is a parent’s greatest responsibility and I’m proud that this program, which we promised during the election, is now being delivered.” Minister Mikakos commented.
The Minister said that Kidsafe Victoria and Neighbourhood Houses Victoria will provide free car seat fittings and safety checks in every local government area across Victoria at various locations including neighbourhood houses and community centres. At these events, professional fitters will inspect child car seats to make sure they’re installed and being used correctly. Parents and carers will also be provided with information on how to check if their precious cargo is travelling safely.
The Minister went on to explain that Victoria is the first state to roll out a comprehensive statewide fitting and safety check program after it was revealed around 70 per cent of child car restraints are not fitted or used correctly – making injury up to seven times more likely. The Minister added that Kidsafe Victoria data revealed the risk of life-threatening injuries in a car accident can be four to six times greater if a child is seated in a poorly installed restraint. On average, six children under the age of 13 are killed, and around 160 are seriously injured in vehicles on Victorian roads each year.
“The safety of their child is a parent’s greatest responsibility and I’m proud that this program, which we promised during the election, is now being delivered.” Minister Mikakos commented “The data tells us that kids are far more likely to be injured if they’re in a poorly-installed restraint. That’s why it’s crucial they are in seats that are checked by the experts.”
Minister Mikakos said that the program is part of the Labor Government’s $213.7 million package aimed at giving parents the support they need to give their kids the best start in life. The Government is also building new parenting centres, funding more maternal and child health nurses and providing round-the-clock specialist sleep and settling advice.