phil&teds® & NZ Police to offer car seat safety checks

Tomorrow and Wednesday 30 August, New Zealand PoliceandAuckland Transport, together with phil&teds andMountain Buggy, will be conducting a prevention operation at Sylvia Park and Westfield St Lukes mall car parks, assisting parents and caregivers to ensure car seats for children are correctly installed.

Campbell Gower, chief cook & bottle washer of phil&teds and Mountain Buggy, is delighted his company is part of the safety initiative.

“We’re parents too and just like any parent, we’re serious about safety. We understand the challenges caregivers face and how car seat installation can be daunting.

“Correctly fitting your car seat, however, is paramount. That’s where our qualified car seat technicians can help. We can boost parents’ knowledge and confidence to install their child car seat correctly, the right way - every time.”

Mr Gower says working with Auckland City District’s road policing team and offering this community service adds another layer of support in meeting the needs of parents.

“At the end of the day, it’s all about helping Kiwi kids get the best possible start in life.”

The law requires children under the age of seven to be correctly secured in an approved child restraint. Children aged seven, up to their eighth birthday, should be secured in an approved child restraint if one is available in the vehicle (and if not, in any child restraint or safety belt that is available).

Police strongly encourage parents and caregivers to use approved child restraints, and seek expert advice on the type of restraints to use and how to fit them.

According to New Zealand Police, approximately 30% of vehicle occupants who have died in crashes in 2017 were unrestrained.

Children are taonga and need help to keep safe. It’s the driver’s responsibility to make sure kids are properly restrained.