Free seat belts safety checks in Stockport

20 Sep 2019 02:23
Published by: Kian French

GMP is supporting a European wide Police initiative on Tuesday 24 September in a bid to cut road deaths and improve road safety.

The European Day Without A Road Death (EDWARD) has one objective, which is that no one should die on the roads of Europe on Thursday 26 September 2019.

On Tuesday 26 September GMP is focusing on seat belt safety with a particular focus in child safety while traveling in a vehicle and will be monitoring seat belts and safety restraints. The driver must make sure that any child under 14 years old uses a seat belt or the right child restraint.

On the day, the Good Egg Project run by Safer Roads Greater Manchester will be at Whitehill Fire Station in Stockport between 12pm and 5pm. The team are encouraging people to come down and will be able to check whether their child seats have been fitted correctly and that children are strapped in securely.

Children in cars, vans and other good vehicles must be carried in an appropriate child restraint from birth until either they are 135cm (4'5") tall or 12 years old, whichever comes first. There are very few exceptions. They must then use a seat belt (although it would be preferable to use a booster seat until they are 150cm (5') tall).

Chief Inspector Matt Bailey-Smith said: "We're encouraging anyone who would like to get their child safety restraints checked for free, to come along on the day. It's a great opportunity that could save your child's life in the event of an accident.

"Last year there were 50 fatalities on the roads of Greater Manchester and our aim is to reduce this number to zero. Project EDWARD and the Good Egg Project are great initiatives to focus everyone's attention on road safety, which will increase education and help us reach our target."

Karen Delaney, Safer Roads Partnership Manager said: "An unrestrained child can suffer fatal injuries in a collision at less than 5mph. Parents may have already installed a child car seat to protect their child, but the danger of serious injury is just as great if the seat is not fitted properly or if they have chosen the wrong type of seat for the height, weight and age of their child. We are delighted to be able to offer this added reassurance for parents."

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