Robert Caulfield, President of Kidsafe Victoria said, "Correctly fitted and used child restraints and booster seats can reduce child death and serious injury by up to 70% in the case of a road crash."

"It is vital all parents and grandparents to be aware of the correct use of child restraints in cars in the wake of a number of restraint checking days which have found that over 70% of children are incorrectly restrained."

"This can occur because many booster seats and restraints are not professionally fitted or are moved from car to car and not installed correctly."

Hire for Baby branches across Victoria and South Australia have joined Kidsafe in the child restraint focused Community Safety month campaign and will be generously donating $5 from the cost of every child restraint fitting during the month to Kidsafe. This will support the charity's efforts to highlight road safety issues in the lead up to National Kidsafe Day (October 23rd).

The service will provide parents and carers with the opportunity to ensure their child restraints are correctly fitted and reduce the risk of injury while also supporting the valuable work of Kidsafe!

"Children can't always protect themselves due to their size and capabilities; therefore it is essential that the community play their part to ensure that children are kept safe around roads and in the car."

Parents can obtain a free fact sheet on child restraint requirements at www.kidsafevic.com.au (under road safety)

Media Enquiries:
Ron Smith - Media Communications, Kidsafe Victoria - Mobile: 0417 329 201