New National Child Restraint Laws

New laws have been passed that make it mandatory for children under seven to be restrained in an appropriate child restraint. These laws are designed to increase the safety of your children and reduce the number of children injured or killed in car accidents.

Summary of the new legislation:

What if my child is small, or large, for their age?
If your child is too small for a restraint specified for their age, they should be kept in their current of restraint for as long as necessary. If your child is too large for a restraint specified for their age, they may move to the next level of restraint. Basically if your child is under seven and fits in a restraint, they should be in one, providing they suit the weight requirement as specified by the car seat manufacturer. New car seats suiting children up to 36kg will be available on the market shortly.

Why was the legislation implemented?
The current evidence shows that most parents in Australia move their child out of child restraints and into adult seat belts from around five years of age. Research indicates that this is too early and increases the potential for serious injury and death.

Car accidents are associated with a large number of child fatalities in Australia. Between 1999 and 2003, 587 children aged 0-14 years died as a result of transport accidents. This accounts for 40% of all fatalities in this age group due to external causes. A study conducted in the United States found infant car restraints reduced the risk of death by 75% for children aged up to one year and by 60% for those aged 2 and 3 years. 

According to Dr Jeff Potter, the National Transport Commission's Senior Manager-Safety, new age-based minimum standards would improve public understanding and reduce injuries.

'While many parents and carers strive to do the right thing, the research shows children are moving to bigger seats too early. The new laws will provide better guidance informed by the latest available technology, research and world's best practice,' Dr Potter said.

Why do the new rules refer to the age of the child, rather than their weight, size or height?
Regulations using the age of the user will result in the smallest percentage of infants being inappropriately restrained, rather than if the regulations were specific about the height, weight or size of the passenger. Guidelines are also easier for parents and carers to understand and follow if given in terms of age, as it is much easier to remember a child's age than their height and weight.

Can I use a child restraint that was purchased overseas?
No you cannot. Child restraints purchased overseas do not comply with the Australian Standard and are not always compatible with Australian vehicles.

All infant restraints that meet the Australian Standard will clearly display this label. If your restraint does not have the label affixed, even if it has fallen off due to age, the restraint should be considered unsafe and it is not recommended that you use it.
 
All Australian vehicles have a uniquely developed tether strap anchorage system, which only Australian Standard approved child restraints are compatible with. In addition, the Australian Standard for child restraints is one of the most stringent child restraint standards in the world. Unlike the European Standard, the Australian standard requires all restraints to be tested in both side and rear impact tests.

Can I hire a baby capsule, child restraint or booster seat?
Yes. Child restraints can be hired from private companies, hospitals and local councils.

Who is responsible for ensuring a child is restrained in an approved restraint?
The driver of the motor vehicle is responsible for ensuring all children are restrained in appropriate, standards approved restraints. Penalties will apply for failing to ensure all children are appropriately restrained.

Is there an amnesty period after the new laws are introduced?
In some States, police officers have the discretion to issue warnings instead of infringement notices, however in the interests of improved child road safety it is recommended parents comply with the new requirements immediately.

Article supplied by Sydney-based Rock A Bye Baby Equipment Hire. (02) 9589 4942,  0406 984 452
For more information:

Nationally
Australian Transport Safety Bureau website  ph: 1800 020 616  

State by State

ACT
Territory and Municipal Services ph: 13 22 81 (ACT and NSW residents only) or (02) 6207 5111 or (02) 6207 0494 TTY
http://www.tams.act.gov.au/move/vehicles/vehicle_safety/childrestraintsinfo
NSW
Roads and Traffic Authority (RTA) ph: 13 17 82 or 13 22 13 to find your nearest RTA Authorised Fitting Station
NRMA  ph: 1300 655 443 or (02) 8741 6000
http://www.rta.nsw.gov.au/roadsafety/children/childrestraints/index.html
Queensland
Queensland Transport ph: 13 23 80
http://www.transport.qld.gov.au/Home/Safety/Road/
RACQ  website ph: 13 19 05 or (07) 3248 2074 TTY
http://www.racq.com.au/
South Australia
Transport SA  ph: 13 10 84
http://www.transport.sa.gov.au/index.asp
RAA  ph: (08) 8202 4600 or (08) 8202 4750 TTY
Tasmania
RACT  ph: 13 27 22
http://www.ract.com.au/shops_service_centres/buy_and_fit_child_restraints/16164
Victoria
Vic Roads ph: 1300 360 745
http://www.vicroads.vic.gov.au/Home/
RACV ph: 13 72 28
http://www.racv.com.au/wps/wcm/connect/racv/Internet/Primary/road+safety/child+safety
Western Australia
Office of Road Safety ph:  13 81 38
http://www.ors.wa.gov.au/NewsMedia/Pages/news.aspx#child
WALGA RoadWise program ph:  1300 780 713
http://www.childcarrestraints.com.au/