-
Source: Close Up
Mothers breastfeeding at the wheel and small children in foot wells and luggage boots were among discoveries that alarmed Auckland Motorways Police during a blitz on child restraints.
The 10-day operation which ended last Thursday was prompted by a recent increase in the number of serious vehicle crashes where children have been the passengers.
The police say crash data shows that in the majority of these cases the children were either inappropriately restrained or not restrained at all.
Over the 10 days a number of checkpoints and mobile patrols were used to target the use of seatbelts and child restraints.
Police say the number of young children who were found to be at risk by having an incorrectly fitted restraint or no restraint at all was "hugely disappointing."
Police observed three mothers who were breastfeeding their infants while driving a vehicle on the motorway. They were stopped and spoken to.
Auckland Motorways Manager Inspector Shanan Gray said his officers were shocked by this.
"It puts everyone in an extremely dangerous situation," he said.
"If they had to stop their vehicle suddenly, or they were involved in a serious crash, the infant would surely be ejected from the vehicle."
Police were also stunned by the number of small children who were discovered in foot wells or in the luggage boots of vehicles.
Police discovered a newborn infant in a capsule on the front seat of a vehicle that was fitted with an airbag. Even though there were extensive warnings in this vehicle the driver was oblivious to the dangers this poses to the child, Gray said.
"The safest place for a child is in the back seat, until the child is at least 10 years old as their bodies have not fully developed, so they are more susceptible to traumatic injury."
"It's essential that adults always wear their seatbelts as they are the role models to their children," he said.
Most drivers spoken to about child restraints displayed some knowledge and the best intentions, Gray said.
But they failed to fully understand the minimum requirements in regards to the correct restraint and its installation.
Information on the correct installation and use of child restraints is available from agencies such as Plunket and the New Zealand Transport Agency.
A new dedicated section on the NZTA website gives
details about child restraints
and keeping children safe when travelling by car. The site has
information on legal requirements and safety standards on child
restraints.
Latest NZ News Video
-
ONE News Minute 9am update: May 26 (1:00)
-
Kids cough up $14m for Government (1:50)
-
Education ministry 'barbaric' (1:55)
