Used car seats can save kids' lives

According to a US study, child safety seats reduce the risk of death in passenger cars by 71% for infants, and by 54% for toddlers aged 1 to 4 years.

According to a US study, child safety seats reduce the risk of death in passenger cars by 71% for infants, and by 54% for toddlers aged 1 to 4 years.

Published Oct 3, 2013

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In an effort to highlight child safety during National Transport Month, which kicked off on Tuesday, 94.7 Highveld Stereo’s Breakfast Xpress, in partnership with Imperial I-Pledge, has officially launched this year’s Car Seats For Kids campaign.

In the spirit of LeadSA, presenters Darren Simpson and Samantha Cowen urged road users to donate their used car seats and give a child the gift of safety. Recent statistics revealed by the Global Road Safety Partnership SA and the Road Safety Fund outline more than 1.3 million motor-vehicle fatalities every year. The dangers for children who are not strapped into a car seat are indeed a stark and harsh reality.

“If you have a car seat that your child has outgrown or is not being used, I urge you to donate it,” said Simpson.

“Being a dad to a little boy, my heart goes out to parents who can’t afford car seats for their kids.”

94.7 Highveld Stereo’s Altech Netstar Ground Patrol team will be stationed across Johannesburg during the next two weeks, where car seats can be dropped off. The collection schedule for the remainder of this week is as follows:

Thursday: Hillfox Shopping Centre (7am - 4.30pm)

Friday: East Rand Mall (7am - 4.30pm)

All collected car seats will be re-upholstered, safety checked and cleaned by non-profit organisation, Wheel Well, before distribution. Based in Brightwater Commons, Randburg, Wheel Well will also serves as a constant drop-off point for used car seats during weekdays.

The 2012 Car Seats For Kids campaign won the MTN Radio Award for Community Project. The awareness campaign will continue to run during the month of October. Visit the Highveld Stereo website for more details on collection points. - Star Motoring

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