The South Australian Liberal Party is calling on the Government to make it easier for families to have their children’s car restraints safely installed.
With many South Australians hitting the road this Easter long weekend, it’s concerning that as many as 80 per cent of child restraints are not installed correctly.
Leader of the Opposition, Vincent Tarzia said that’s why his party is committed to helping ease the cost-barrier to having car seats professionally installed.
"Every child deserves to be safe when travelling in a vehicle and research shows that children are at seven times greater risk of serious injury in the event of a crash, if their car seat is not correctly fitted,” Mr Tarzia said.
“Anyone who’s had a baby knows that the costs can quickly start to add up. With the price of a professional fitting reaching up to $75 per seat, parents may risk incorrect installation by taking a DIY approach as the cost-of-living crisis bites.
“This Easter weekend, we’re calling on the Government to provide a $50 subsidy for accredited providers to install car seats for newborns, to improve the safety of our most vulnerable road users.
“If they don’t do it, we will absolutely bring this to South Australian families if elected next year.”
Shadow Minister for Road Safety, Jack Batty said in South Australia, the Government has taken in a record $30 million in revenue from mobile phone detection cameras in the past six months alone, money that would be wisely invested on initiatives like this one.
“Correct use of child restraints is vital to protecting young lives on our roads – especially during peak seasons on the road such as Easter,” Mr Batty said.
"This is a practical, life-saving initiative that will make a real difference to South Australian families and would cost just a fraction of the record revenue pouring in from motorists fines.
"The subsidy program will also give families access to the education and resources they need to properly secure their children and help reduce the number of preventable deaths and injuries on our roads,” Mr Batty concluded.
The initiative is supported by the child safety industry, including accredited car seat fitting providers such as Jen Jarrad who owns local business, Adelaide Baby Hire.
“I have had a number of clients whose children have escaped serious injury in a crash thanks to a correctly installed car-seat,” Ms Jarrad said.
“Every day I see car seats that have been installed incorrectly and could be potentially dangerous for children if they were involved in an accident.
“I have no doubt this initiative can and will save lives and I wholly support it being implemented.”
Currently, free fitting services are available through organisations and charitable initiatives on select days or special events.
This policy will give families access year-round, similar to successful models in other states, including Victoria, New South Wales and Queensland.
