Johannesburg - ER24 paramedic service on Thursday welcomed new traffic rules which would see motorists who don’t strap toddlers into a child car seat slapped with a fine.
The new regulation to the National Road Traffic Act, which makes the use of a child car seat for all children under age of three years compulsory, comes into effect on May 1.
“Several motorists still refuse to take seriously the constant warnings and calls by emergency services and authorities to have children properly restrained in vehicles.” ER24 said in a statement.
ER24 said, while on the roads, paramedics noticed young children jumping on back seats, hanging out of windows and sitting on passenger’s laps.
When confronted, parents said they never grew up with child car seats and they survived.
“Parents may also tell you that their children do not like being restrained and cry constantly. Some parents insist you not tell them what to do with their children. Times have changed.”
With the number of distractions on the road, the safest option was to restrain children and make them understand it was for their own safety, ER24 said.
“The sad truth is ER24 and other emergency services attend to horrific collisions involving children on a weekly basis. Majority of unrestrained children are flung out of vehicles and either sustain critical injuries or die in collisions.”
Parents who can’t afford new seats should check with organisations who donate or sell second-hand car seats.
“Remember you can’t undo death, and the choices you make could be the difference between life and death. Make sure your child is appropriately restrained.”
African News Agency