Child Seats:
This is a special safety seat for a child that is fitted into a car, make sure that the child is correctly placed in a child safety seat.
This reduces the possibility of injury or death in the event of a crash.
Children between the ages of 0-12 months should not ride in the front of the vehicle. This is for their safety.
Where children of given age groups are however carried on the front seat, they should ride using a child restraint.
The child restraint should be attached, such that the child will face the rear of the seat.
Children from ages 1 to 7 should ride facing the front of the car in a child seat, strapped properly to the back seat.
Do not carry a child on your lap as he or she may be crushed between your body and the dashboard if there is a crash.
Do not allow children to play with the handle of the doors or locks, use child lock where available.
Do not allow children to ride in the luggage area of hatchbacks, station wagons, or vans.
Do not leave a hatchback open when a child is riding in the back seat.
It is against the law to transport children under the age of 16 in the back of a pickup van.
Children from ages 7 and above should ride in a vehicle facing the front but securely restrained with safety belts.
When transporting children, the elderly, and physically challenged people, the driver must not be under the influence of alcohol/drugs.
Note: Every season should be a time to celebrate, not to mourn. After all, safety is in your hands, especially that of your children and family.
The traffic expert is DCC Nnamdi Ikeh-Akabogu, DCC Morning and Evaluation (M&E), Special Duties and External Relations (SEDER), FRCC HQ, Abuja.
