EMPD clarifies strapping children into vehicle
After the death of four-year-old Taegrin Morris, many parents have been debating whether to strap their child in or not out of fear that this could happen to them.
Supt Wilfred Kgasago, spokesperson for the EMPD, says that there is nothing more important than ensuring your children’s safety when driving.
He says that the safest place for children aged 12 years and under is in the back seat, properly restrained, in an approved child safety seat.
“Specially manufactured child restraints should be used for children,” says Kgasago.
He adds that in terms of the National Road Traffic Act, a child is a person between the age of three and 14 years, except where the person is taller than 1.5m.
“With respect to child restraints, the regulations states that where available in a vehicle a child restraint must be used for children and if one is not available, then a seatbelt must be used,” says Supt Kgasago.
In the case of older vehicles where seatbelts are not available, a child must be placed in the rear seat in a child restraint, otherwise a fine of R200 will be issued.
“With regards to vehicles that don’t have rear seats, the child can be in the front seat, but only if they are strapped in.”
He says that should a motorist be involved in a hijacking, with their child in the vehicle, they should remain calm and not make any sudden movements.
“They should literally plead with the perpetrators to allow them to unstrap or grab their child,” says Supt Kgasago. – @CarmenBoksburg
