Limerick drivers urged to get child car seats checked as figures show that more than half are fitted incorrectly

PARENTS and those who travel with young children in the car are being urged to check that their car seats are fitted correctly. 

The Road Safety Authority (RSA) check it fits service will be in Limerick on two different days this month. 

READ ALSO: Limerick exhibition explores the history of engineering along the Shannon

Just over half of child car seats - 54%, are not fitted correctly, according to the RSA. 

Almost a third of seats fitted need major adjustments and according to the RSA, if a car seat isn’t fitted correctly, it could lead to a serious or fatal injury in the event of a collision. 

Ron Richardson, lead checker for the RSA said: “Having a correctly fitted car seat is a simple measure parents, grandparents and guardians can take to ensure children are safe while travelling by car. I would encourage people to visit the Check it Fits service when it comes to Limerick and give yourself the peace of mind that your children are travelling safely.”

He explained that the seat being excessively loose could make the fitting almost ineffective. 

The service takes between 10 and 15 minutes and runs from 10am until 5.30pm. It is free of charge and offers parents and guardians reassurance that their child is safe while travelling in the car. It is a walk-in service, no appointment needed.

In Limerick, the Check it Fits service will take place on Thursday, February 12 at Smyth’s Toys Superstores in Parkway, with another on Friday, February 13, at Aldi in Castletroy.  

For more information on Check it Fits visit www.rsa.ie/checkitfits.