Member for Mulgrave Curtis Pitt is urging locals to ensure they have adequate child restraints installed in their vehicles ahead of new laws coming into effect on 11 March.
Mr Pitt will team up with local Queensland Ambulance Service (QAS) officers at the Queensland Baby Expo held at the Cairns Convention Centre, to inform locals of the importance of these new safety regulations.
“Child restraints play a vital role in reducing injury and death if children are involved in car crashes,” Mr Pitt said.
“The Queensland Government recently introduced new child restraint legislation to enhance safety for children on our roads.
“The new laws require all children up to seven years of age to be appropriately restrained in a motor vehicle, in an approved child restraint according to their age and size.
“I urge all parents and guardians to make sure they have an appropriate child restraint installed correctly in their vehicle to avoid the penalty and putting their child’s life at risk.”
From 11 March, the penalty for incorrectly securing a child in a vehicle is $300 and three demerit points.
QAS Assistant Commissioner Peter Cahill said that the child restraint legislation is a significant step forward in ensuring children travel safely in motor vehicles which will assist in the prevention of injuries to children.
“Paramedics often attend motor vehicle accidents were children are unstrained and suffer terrible injuries. Many of these injuries could be prevented if the child was correctly seated in an approved restraint,” Mr Cahill said.
Mr Pitt said the QAS offered a baby capsule installation and hire service and each year, QAS fits over 12,000 baby capsules across Queensland.
“When hiring a capsule through the QAS, community members can be assured that trained and experienced fitters will correctly install the capsule for safe travel,” Mr Pitt said.
“My wife and I hired a capsule when our son Tristan was born and found the process to be very quick, easy, and importantly affordable.
To book an appointment for a capsule fitting with Queensland Ambulance Service, call 1300 369 003.
For more information on the new laws, phone the Department of Transport on 12 23 80, visit their website www.transport.qld.gov.au or go to www.kidsafeqld.com.au.
Photo opportunity: Mr Pitt will be with Tina Sebasio, Manager Community Education QAS at the Queensland Baby Expo on Saturday 6 March from 11.30am.
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