fox20thc
14-07-2006, 10:25
Norwich Union welcomes new child car seat rules
Motor insurer Norwich Union has welcomed a tightening of the rules governing vehicle child and baby seats, which is set to come into force this September.
Under new government regulations it will be compulsory for the under threes to use the child seat or booster appropriate for their age in any vehicle. Children aged over three and up to the age of 12 will also have to use an appropriate child restraint as adult seatbelts are designed for people over 150cm in height and with an adult bone structure. It will also be illegal to use a rear facing baby seat in a seat protected by an airbag.
cgksheff
14-07-2006, 10:32
That's good news.
In America, it is very common for cars to have a passenger airbag disabling switch in the glove compartment. This can be used when carring an infant.
Why is this not done over here?
That's good news.
In America, it is very common for cars to have a passenger airbag disabling switch in the glove compartment. This can be used when carring an infant.
Why is this not done over here?
My Dad's Volvo XC90 has a switch to do just this.
That's good news.
In America, it is very common for cars to have a passenger airbag disabling switch in the glove compartment. This can be used when carring an infant.
Why is this not done over here?
My car has such a switch. When buying the last few cars I have asked the various manufacturers about this and find several can be switched off. On ours we use the ignition key in a switch located in the glove box.
Also in this legislation (unless they have changed it by now) was an exemption if you were on some kind of short trip that was an emergency. The examples given were parents taking an extra child home only as far as his house from the school. Whilst it might be daft to fine someone for a short car journey, there are significant problems with this argument. Firstly, given an "emergency" they could all walk. Secondly, it means anyone that gets stopped can just claim they are on such a short journey.
fox20thc
14-07-2006, 10:44
exemptions
Three exceptions allow children 3 years to 135 cms in height to travel in the rear and use an adult belt:
in a taxi, if the right child restraint is not available;
for an occasional journey over a short distance, if the right child restraint is not available;
where two occupied child seats in the rear prevent the fitment of a third child seat.
Children under 3 years may travel n the rear of a taxi unrestrained if not child restraint is available.
full rules can be seen here (http://www.thinkroadsafety.gov.uk/campaigns/childcarseats/childcarseats.htm#02)
cgksheff
14-07-2006, 10:44
My car has such a switch. When buying the last few cars I have asked the various manufacturers about this and find several can be switched off. On ours we use the ignition key in a switch located in the glove box.
That's good news. I wasn't aware that this was becoming more common.
Thanks.
fox20thc
14-07-2006, 10:48
Actually reading it. The new law says rear adults must be worn if no child seat available. So actually nothings changed really :huh: