Even those parents or carers who have child restraints in their vehicles may be driving with a false sense of security if the seats are not properly fitted.

Although no statistics are available on car-seat related child injuries, the NRMA reported that between 2021-2023 regional areas had a higher per capita death toll on roads. 

When adjusted for deaths per capita, outer regional NSW saw nearly ten times as many deadly accidents as the states' major cities, showing the need for proper child restraint for the most vulnerable passengers.  

This month, Transport NSW is holding series of free car seat checks in four locations across western NSW.

Each session will have experts available to give information about national child restraint laws, the types of restraints available and advice on moving children from one restraint type to the next. 

 A spokesperson for Transport NSW said it was important the parents and carers make sure seats are fitted properly for maximum protection in the events of a crash.

“Research shows two-thirds of child restraints are not being used properly and this puts children at risk in the event of a crash. 

“A child can sustain devastating injuries in the event of a crash, or even sudden braking, if a restraint is incorrectly fitted. 

“Common mistakes made include not tightening the straps properly, not checking clips and using loose bolts that may need replacement.” 

Free checks will be taking place at the following locations:  

Cobar: Ward Oval, Maidens Avenue, 9.30am to 12.30pm on Wednesday 9 April. 

Narromine: Railway station, corner Dandaloo Street and Derribong Avenue, 9am to noon on Wednesday 30 April. 

Places are limited, so anyone planning to attend must register online here. 

More information about child car safety is available through the NSW government website here.