Holiday warning as 1700 drivers fail to restrain kids
The latest data from the Department of Transport and Main Roads, analysed by RACQ, revealed more than 1700 people were fined for restraint related offences involving children in 2020 in Queensland.
RACQ spokesperson Lauren Ritchie said drivers in the Southern police region, which included Toowoomba, were the worst offenders with more than 480 people caught with unrestrained children under 16.
“It’s disturbing so many drivers are risking the lives of babies and children. Failing to make sure they’re safely restrained could led to the unthinkable in a crash,” Ms Ritchie said.
“Police caught drivers either incorrectly restraining their child, having their child in an incorrect restraint or some not having their child buckled up at all.
“With school holidays upon us and many families planning to get away, we want to remind parents and caregivers they must make sure their children are buckled up properly. Aside from the obvious tragic consequences, they also risk a $400 fine and three demerit points.”
Ms Ritchie urged parents to ensure their children were also in the correct restraint for their age.
“Once your child is seven years old it doesn’t automatically mean they should come out of a booster seat,” she said.
“They should be 145 centimetres tall, so the seatbelt is able to secure them in a crash. Check the shoulder height markers on the restraints to see when it’s time to upgrade.
“Babies under six months of age need to be in a rear facing restraint, but best practice is to keep them rear facing for as long as possible, up to two years old.”
Infringements issued in Queensland by police region from 1 January – 31 December 2020:
|
Southern |
481 |
|
Northern |
463 |
|
Brisbane |
297 |
|
Central |
277 |
|
South East |
130 |
|
Unknown |
119 |
Related topics
-
The information in this article has been prepared for general information purposes only and is not intended as legal advice or specific advice to any particular person. Any advice contained in the document is general advice, not intended as legal advice or professional advice and does not take into account any person’s particular circumstances. Before acting on anything based on this advice you should consider its appropriateness to you, having regard to your objectives and needs.
Insurance products (excluding Travel Insurance) are issued by RACQ Insurance Limited ABN 50 009 704 152 (RACQ). Conditions, limits and exclusions apply. This is general advice only and may not be right for you. This information does not take your personal objectives, circumstances or needs into account. Read the Product Disclosure Statement (PDS) and any applicable Supplementary PDS before making a purchase decision on this product. You can also access our Target Market Determinations on this website.
Banking and loan products issued by Members Banking Group Limited ABN 83 087 651 054 AFSL/Australian credit licence 241195 trading as RACQ Bank. Terms, conditions, fees, charges and lending policies apply. This is general advice only and may not be right for you. This information does not take your personal objectives, circumstances or needs into account. Read the disclosure documents for your selected product or service, including the Financial Services Guide and the Terms and Conditions, and consider if appropriate for you before deciding.
Except for RACQ Bank, any RACQ entity referred to on this page is not an authorised deposit-taking institution for the purposes of the Banking Act 1959 (Cth). That entity’s obligations do not represent deposits or other liabilities of RACQ Bank. RACQ Bank does not guarantee or otherwise provide assurance in respect of the obligations of that entity, unless noted otherwise.
RACQ Operations Pty Ltd (ABN 80 009 663 414 AR 000234978) and Members Travel Group Pty Ltd (ABN 45 144 538 803 AR 000432492) are acting as an Authorised Representative of the issuer of the insurance, Tokio Marine & Nichido Fire Insurance Co., Ltd. (ABN 80 000 438 291 AFSL 246 548). Any advice set out above is general in nature only, and does not take into account your objectives, financial situation or needs. Before purchasing any travel products, please consider the RACQ Travel Insurance Product Disclosure Statement (PDS) and the Target Market Determinations (TMDs) that apply to these products. Whilst the PDS outlines the Terms and Conditions of these products, the TMDs outline the intended class of customers that comprise the target market for these travel products. This will allow you to consider which products best suit your objectives, financial situation and needs and consider the products appropriateness to your personal circumstances. TMDs also outline matters involving the distribution and the review of these products. The PDS, Supplementary PDS and TMDs for each travel product can be found here.