More than eight in ten drivers are putting their child's safety at risk by failing to correctly fit child car seats.

The law requires all children travelling in the front or rear seat of any car, van or goods vehicle must use the correct child car seat until they are either 135 cm in height or 12 years old (which ever they reach first). After this they must use an adult seat belt.

Child safety seat facts

• Children must normally use a child car seat until they are 12 years old or 135 centimetres tall, whichever comes first.

• Children over 12 or more than 135cm tall must wear a seat belt.

• You can choose a child car seat based on your child’s height or weight.

Safety experts are urging parents and guardians of children seek advice when purchasing a seat for their child, both in terms of ensuring that seat is suitable for the child and that the seat is fitted correctly.  When you change you vehicle, in the event of getting a new lease van, for example, you should review how the seat is fitted.

Here are some top tips: 

Top Tips

• Avoid 2nd hand car seats because you can never be 100% sure  of their history.
• All seats must pass minimum standards of safety some manufacturers test way beyond these standards. Do your research, 
• Ask for the car seat expert in store to serve you and don't be afraid to ask what qualifications they have.
• Where possible make sure the expert shows you how to fit the seat in your car. This should give you confidence to fit the seat correctly yourself