BURNABY, BC — The British Columbia Automobile Association (BCAA) and ICBC today announced a joint program aimed at enhancing the safety of children while riding in cars, vans and trucks. The Child Passenger Safety Program will offer parents more access to information and hands-on help in selecting, installing and using child seats.
A toll-free information line has been set up, and an increased number of child seat inspection clinics are being scheduled throughout the province. The program was officially launched today at BCAA's head office in Burnaby, and will be followed by regional launches in Penticton, September 24 and Nanaimo, September 26.
"Parents generally go to great lengths to protect their children, but evidence suggests that when it comes to ensuring they are properly protected in cars, parents are not always as knowledgeable as they should be," says Bill Bullis, BCAA President and CEO. "Promoting road safety is a top priority for BCAA, and we believe the Child Passenger Safety Program will go a long way to helping improve the safety of the youngest and most vulnerable members of our society."
A Transport Canada survey shows that four out of five child seats are not used properly. In many cases, the child seat being used is not properly suited for the vehicle. Many child seats are not installed correctly and the harnesses holding children are often too loose. Also, an estimated 95 per cent of children who should be in booster seats are not — they have been put in adult seat belts too early. Proper use of child seats reduces the likelihood of a child being injured or killed by as much as 75 per cent.