Do you know the rules about child car seats?

Keeping children safe in the car

We all want our children to be safe on every car journey. But how many of us actually know the rules on child car seats?

A research poll of 1,476 parents by consumer group Which? found that less than one in four of us are clued up on the subject. These findings have led to fears over children being placed in danger due to parents’ confusion.

It seems that a lack of knowledge of child car seats is so widespread that it deters 18% of parents from even using a child seat for their offspring aged between six and 10 years old. And 53% of parents are not told how to install the seat.

Meanwhile, 76% of mothers and fathers are unaware that it’s compulsory for every child under the age of 12 or up to a height of 4ft 5in to be placed in child seats.

Thankfully, the Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents (RoSPA) has compiled a handy checklist which matches the right child to the right seat.

Test your knowledge

1. Can you put your seat belt around a child as well as yourself?
a) Yes
b) No

2. Can you get away with holding a child in the car?
a) Yes
b) No

3. Are there any exceptions when a child doesn’t need a car seat?
a) Yes
b) No

4. When choosing a car child seat, what should you bring with you?
a) Your child
b) Your car
c) Both

5. Should you fit a rearward-facing baby front seat when an airbag is on the vehicle’s passenger side?
a) Yes
b) No

The answers can be found at the end of this page.

How did you do?
If you stumbled on some of the questions, don’t worry, our road safety partner Brake has some top tips about installation and correct sitting positions.

Answers to child car seat quiz:
1. b) No, your body weight would end up crushing your child
2. b) No, you can’t cling on to children in an accident
3. a) Yes, children over three years old can travel in unforeseen emergencies during short distances but must use a rear-seat adult belt. Children below this age can sit in the back of taxis when child seats are unavailable.
4. c) Both, and it’s also advised to find a retailer trained in selecting and installing the seat.
5. b) No, the airbag would hit the child seat with substantial force if it went off.