Compulsory by law child booster seats
01 March 2006, 12:58 PM
#1
Guest
Posts: n/a
Compulsory by law child booster seats
May be sial but heard on the radio yesterday how they are bringing in a law where any child under the age of 11 will have to sit on a child booster seat. If you are caught with a child in the car under the age of 11 without one you will be subjected to a £30 on the spot fine or if you contest it in court upto a fine of £500 if found guilty.
WTF is this Government on
What a load of absolute b0llox. They had all sorts of examples on the radio where this law is a complete joke.
Anyone else heard about this or got any info on it? Like how much are they going to be charging for these seats? Where you can buy them from etc?
Just another example of the nanny state taking over
WTF is this Government on
What a load of absolute b0llox. They had all sorts of examples on the radio where this law is a complete joke.Anyone else heard about this or got any info on it? Like how much are they going to be charging for these seats? Where you can buy them from etc?
Just another example of the nanny state taking over
01 March 2006, 01:03 PM
#3
Guest
Posts: n/a
01 March 2006, 01:07 PM
#5
Guest
Posts: n/a
This is the relevant bit: "Children under 5ft/150cm tall (approx. 11 years old) aren’t sufficiently developed to travel without a child car seat or booster seat". It's the height of the child that matters - you wouldn't want your kid to slip under the belt in an accident and strangle themselves on the belt would you? Seems like they're bringing in an *easy* way to stop this happening.
But it means that instead of seeing how tall they are they need to prove how old the kid is ..... You have to admit though that some parents need shooting as they let their kids roam the car with no restraints at all!
Dave
But it means that instead of seeing how tall they are they need to prove how old the kid is ..... You have to admit though that some parents need shooting as they let their kids roam the car with no restraints at all!
Dave
01 March 2006, 01:09 PM
#6
Scooby Regular
You have to admit though that some parents need shooting as they let their kids roam the car with no restraints at all!
Just an idea ?
Trending Topics
01 March 2006, 01:13 PM
#8
Guest
Posts: n/a
My eldest is 8 and not yet 5' but wears a normal seatbelt absolutely fine. So as of May I will have to explain to him that the people that run the country have made it a law that he has to sit on this stupid seat and know better than the parents 
01 March 2006, 01:17 PM
#9
Scooby Regular
Join Date: Oct 2000
Location: RS6 heaven. 505/445 Scooby Eater (whilst watching TV)
Posts: 1,022
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
At the end of the day seatbelts were designed for adults, not children.
The cross belt should go across the body, not in a childs neck or face. A booster seat resolves this.
The problem I see is kids that have not been in a childseat for years will cause a lot of fuss when now they have to sit in a booster!
Phil
The cross belt should go across the body, not in a childs neck or face. A booster seat resolves this.
The problem I see is kids that have not been in a childseat for years will cause a lot of fuss when now they have to sit in a booster!
Phil
01 March 2006, 01:20 PM
#10
Guest
Posts: n/a
I wonder if Prodrive will do a Subaru version:
http://www.mothercare.com/invt/la019...ts,carboosters
http://www.mothercare.com/invt/la019...ts,carboosters
01 March 2006, 01:22 PM
#12
Scooby Regular
Join Date: Feb 2005
Location: Derbyshire
Posts: 12,304
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Another law that will go un-enforced. How often do you see kids in a car that are not restrained at all, kids on the knee of somebody in the front, somebody driving while holding a mobile, cyclists at night with no lights or riding through red traffic lights??
01 March 2006, 01:23 PM
#13
Originally Posted by **************
I wonder if Prodrive will do a Subaru version:
http://www.mothercare.com/invt/la019...ts,carboosters
http://www.mothercare.com/invt/la019...ts,carboosters
http://www.recarochildseats.com/ - IIRC there are other seats with better protection...
01 March 2006, 01:40 PM
#14
Scooby Regular
Join Date: Feb 2000
Location: Please excuse my Spelling - its not the best !!
Posts: 2,538
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Originally Posted by SiPie
...hence, sadly a law is brought in to protect those kids whose parents have zero common sense or consideration for their wellbeing...
Just an idea ?
Just an idea ?
And how is this law going to be enforced - by a static camera possible?? Cos I dont see that many police cars on these days !
How will this effect those people over 11 and under 5 foot tall, Will they need a booster cushion (girl at work is 4 10 !!)
Richard
01 March 2006, 01:44 PM
#15
Scooby Regular
iTrader: (2)
Join Date: May 2000
Location: Class record holder at Pembrey Llandow Goodwood MIRA Hethel Blyton Curborough Lydden and Snetterton
Posts: 8,626
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
I suppose they'll frown upon cramming 7 of her mates into the car to get them to maccyD's for her birthday
01 March 2006, 01:49 PM
#16
Scooby Regular
Join Date: Aug 2001
Location: Warrington
Posts: 4,554
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
And if you have two kids and one adult drops off and another (spouse / nanny) picks up, then you will need four seats 
Age is absolute, so anyone over 12, whatever their height, will not require a child seat.
Surely the point is that a programme of education followed by actual enforcement of the current laws would be adequate.
Oh BTW, whats the best method of proving your children's age? ID card of course
Age is absolute, so anyone over 12, whatever their height, will not require a child seat.
Surely the point is that a programme of education followed by actual enforcement of the current laws would be adequate.
Oh BTW, whats the best method of proving your children's age? ID card of course
01 March 2006, 01:55 PM
#17
Guest
Posts: n/a
Exactly what makes it a joke, if the child is 11 and 1 month and under 5' they don't need by law to be sitting in the seat. So you can have a 10 year old who is 4'11 who has to have the seat but an 11 year old who is 4'11 and doesn't need one. Whats the difference? Surely the eight is what is important?
01 March 2006, 05:44 PM
#18
Scooby Regular
Join Date: Nov 2004
Location: W Sussex
Posts: 326
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
I must be being really dim here, whats the problem, just put the kid on a booster seat !!
The government's "experts" recon its safer, unless any of us work in that specific arena and can prove otherwise, why take the risk, they cost **** all compared to your childs life.
Its a shame the government have to legislate, but is isn't difficult to see why they have to !!!
The government's "experts" recon its safer, unless any of us work in that specific arena and can prove otherwise, why take the risk, they cost **** all compared to your childs life.
Its a shame the government have to legislate, but is isn't difficult to see why they have to !!!
01 March 2006, 06:56 PM
#20
Originally Posted by Sport160
I must be being really dim here, whats the problem, just put the kid on a booster seat !!
The government's "experts" recon its safer, unless any of us work in that specific arena and can prove otherwise, why take the risk, they cost **** all compared to your childs life.
Its a shame the government have to legislate, but is isn't difficult to see why they have to !!!
The government's "experts" recon its safer, unless any of us work in that specific arena and can prove otherwise, why take the risk, they cost **** all compared to your childs life.
Its a shame the government have to legislate, but is isn't difficult to see why they have to !!!
Booster seats are wider than a childs bottom! - and have hard edges - if you have 3 kids 3 booster seats will not fit across the back of a 'normal' car - If 2 kids are under 11 and are legally required to use booster seats the 3rd one gets hard edge boosters digging into them, and less space to sit in.
took me 5 seconds to come up with that one...
Bet there are loads more potential problems that will ocurr in some families...it is a shame since we are going towards a European federation that we have to accept alll their nit-picking harmonising laws... and that our government doe sfell it has to legislate on every tiny little thing even when there are other laws in place covering the same situations.
Mick
01 March 2006, 10:36 PM
#21
Scooby Regular
Join Date: Nov 2004
Location: W Sussex
Posts: 326
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Originally Posted by Mick
Do you have kids? Sensible parents know when such a device is required... Parents who don't care will not be influenced by yet another law. How many people take note of the law against using mobiles whilst driving...? - only those who are sensible anyway - they can tut-tut at those they see using them...
Booster seats are wider than a childs bottom! - and have hard edges - if you have 3 kids 3 booster seats will not fit across the back of a 'normal' car - If 2 kids are under 11 and are legally required to use booster seats the 3rd one gets hard edge boosters digging into them, and less space to sit in.
took me 5 seconds to come up with that one... Bet there are loads more potential problems that will ocurr in some families...
it is a shame since we are going towards a European federation that we have to accept alll their nit-picking harmonising laws... and that our government doe sfell it has to legislate on every tiny little thing even when there are other laws in place covering the same situations.
Mick
Booster seats are wider than a childs bottom! - and have hard edges - if you have 3 kids 3 booster seats will not fit across the back of a 'normal' car - If 2 kids are under 11 and are legally required to use booster seats the 3rd one gets hard edge boosters digging into them, and less space to sit in.
took me 5 seconds to come up with that one...
Bet there are loads more potential problems that will ocurr in some families...it is a shame since we are going towards a European federation that we have to accept alll their nit-picking harmonising laws... and that our government doe sfell it has to legislate on every tiny little thing even when there are other laws in place covering the same situations.
Mick
Yes I do, but only 2 of them, so their backsides fit quite happily in the back of a scooby
Sorry but struggling with the "sensible parents" bit here. If your kid is safer in a booster seat then use one period (IHMO). If you've got 3 kids and can't fit them in, get smaller booster seats or buy a bigger car, don't compromise on the kids safety (again IMHO).
I guess I'm lucky, my kids prefer the height advantage the booster seat gives and therefore use them out of choice.
02 March 2006, 01:17 PM
#22
Yes... agreed - but if you kid is fine with your particular car setup and seat belt configuration BUT under 11 years old - why make them sit on a booster seat beacause some eeejit in parliment decrees that they should...
How has it been decided that my child, in my car, is 'safer' by sitting on a plastic box? by someone I've never met, doesn't know me, my kids or my car...
Another example - motorcyle crash helmets - more accidents occur because riders are severely limited in their vision and hearing and thus awareness of the surrounding traffic. Neck are broken because of the additional weight of the helmet... But we have to wear one whether or not we want to...
Cycle crash helmets... Australia brought in compulsion to wear helmets... injuries reduced by 75%! - marvelous... Unfortunately the cycling population decreased by 75% too due to general populous being less enamoured with being out in the fresh air with a bonce bin stuck on their sweaty heads...
Mick
How has it been decided that my child, in my car, is 'safer' by sitting on a plastic box? by someone I've never met, doesn't know me, my kids or my car...
Another example - motorcyle crash helmets - more accidents occur because riders are severely limited in their vision and hearing and thus awareness of the surrounding traffic. Neck are broken because of the additional weight of the helmet... But we have to wear one whether or not we want to...
Cycle crash helmets... Australia brought in compulsion to wear helmets... injuries reduced by 75%! - marvelous... Unfortunately the cycling population decreased by 75% too due to general populous being less enamoured with being out in the fresh air with a bonce bin stuck on their sweaty heads...
Mick
02 March 2006, 06:47 PM
#23
Scooby Regular
Join Date: Sep 2003
Location: No longer Japan !
Posts: 1,742
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
OK guys, time for me to chip in here.
I did an engineering degree. In my final year I did a design project on integrated child restraint systems. The project was set and marked by Prof (then Dr.) Murray Mackay, one of the leading car safety experts in the UK, and probably the world.
He is currenly Professor Emeritus of Transport Safety at the University of Birmingham, President of the International Research Council on the Biomechanics of Impact, on the parliamentary committee for road safety etc. What this means is that I had access to all the best papers on child safety, accident report, biomechanical data etc. In short, I know what I'm talking about.
A lap & shoulder belt can cause serious injury to children if they are not using a booster seat. Why? Well in short, the lap/shoulder belt does not locate properly on the torsos of children below a certain height. The lap part of the belt should locate on the pelvic girdle. However as children's legs are shorter they often slide forward in the seat to make it more comfortable. The result is in a accident the child "submarines" and the lap belt locates under the rib cage and causes a lot of soft tissue damage to internal organs. A lap/shoulder belt is better than no belt at all, but it is far from ideal.
A booster seat raises up the child so that the lap part of the best locates across the pelvic girdle as it is supposed to do, and also locates the shoulder part of the belt better too.
Many people are not aware of this, but the fact is that a lap/shoulder belt without a booster seat can do serious damage to your child in the event of an accident, possibly life theatening injury.
Even an expensive booster seat costs half as much as a tank of fuel. It's a no-brainer surely!
Making it compulsory in law will prove to be a major headache to some people, like those who infrequently have children in their cars (grandparents maybe, taxis etc). However it will protect many thousands of children each year and will probably save lives.
I did an engineering degree. In my final year I did a design project on integrated child restraint systems. The project was set and marked by Prof (then Dr.) Murray Mackay, one of the leading car safety experts in the UK, and probably the world.
He is currenly Professor Emeritus of Transport Safety at the University of Birmingham, President of the International Research Council on the Biomechanics of Impact, on the parliamentary committee for road safety etc. What this means is that I had access to all the best papers on child safety, accident report, biomechanical data etc. In short, I know what I'm talking about.
A lap & shoulder belt can cause serious injury to children if they are not using a booster seat. Why? Well in short, the lap/shoulder belt does not locate properly on the torsos of children below a certain height. The lap part of the belt should locate on the pelvic girdle. However as children's legs are shorter they often slide forward in the seat to make it more comfortable. The result is in a accident the child "submarines" and the lap belt locates under the rib cage and causes a lot of soft tissue damage to internal organs. A lap/shoulder belt is better than no belt at all, but it is far from ideal.
A booster seat raises up the child so that the lap part of the best locates across the pelvic girdle as it is supposed to do, and also locates the shoulder part of the belt better too.
Many people are not aware of this, but the fact is that a lap/shoulder belt without a booster seat can do serious damage to your child in the event of an accident, possibly life theatening injury.
Even an expensive booster seat costs half as much as a tank of fuel. It's a no-brainer surely!
Making it compulsory in law will prove to be a major headache to some people, like those who infrequently have children in their cars (grandparents maybe, taxis etc). However it will protect many thousands of children each year and will probably save lives.
02 March 2006, 06:55 PM
#24
Scooby Regular
Join Date: Feb 2001
Posts: 9,307
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
i have 3 kids, all sit on boosters. Eldest could get away with not using one...maybe, but why bother? hardly a big deal to make them use one.
and if you have 3 and cant fit them in a normal car...but an MPV (or stop having kids at 2)
and if you have 3 and cant fit them in a normal car...but an MPV (or stop having kids at 2)
02 March 2006, 07:20 PM
#25
Frorm BBC site
Children under 4ft 5in (1.35m) tall could soon have to use a proper child restraint and booster seat in the car or risk a fine for the driver.
That seems sensible... Age limit - definately not!
Children under 4ft 5in (1.35m) tall could soon have to use a proper child restraint and booster seat in the car or risk a fine for the driver.
That seems sensible... Age limit - definately not!
02 March 2006, 11:20 PM
#26
Scooby Regular
iTrader: (1)
Join Date: Dec 2001
Location: You only live ONCE But if you do it right >>>>> ONCE is enough
Posts: 7,327
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Originally Posted by **************
I wonder if Prodrive will do a Subaru version:
http://www.mothercare.com/invt/la019...ts,carboosters
http://www.mothercare.com/invt/la019...ts,carboosters
It is nice & comfy & stops me falling down the footwell
Mark
02 March 2006, 11:45 PM
#27
Scooby Regular
Originally Posted by Mick
Frorm BBC site
Children under 4ft 5in (1.35m) tall could soon have to use a proper child restraint and booster seat in the car or risk a fine for the driver.
That seems sensible... Age limit - definately not!
Children under 4ft 5in (1.35m) tall could soon have to use a proper child restraint and booster seat in the car or risk a fine for the driver.
That seems sensible... Age limit - definately not!
12 March 2006, 09:21 PM
#29
On this topic, from here... http://www.telegraph.co.uk/opinion/m.../03/do0301.xml
Funny snipet...
Funny snipet...
Like most of us, I chuckled away at Craig Brown's column on Tuesday - brilliant, even by his standards - in which he imagined letters written to the newspapers, 10 years hence, by the likes of Lord Blair of Great Ham and Baroness Jowell of Boreham. "Further to your recent correspondence," wrote Lord Blair, "I welcome proposals by the Government to place a CCTV camera in every household fridge. How else are we to stop the forward march of clinical obesity? The innocent have nothing to fear…"
12 March 2006, 09:43 PM
#30
Scooby Regular
Join Date: Feb 2006
Posts: 4,377
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
I partially agree with this move. It should be judged on height not age.
But seabelts werent specifically designed for children and I even belive kiddie dummies in crash tests are sat in a booster seat.
I dont see why any parent should be upset about having to put their 7yr old in a child seat especially on a basis that it looks uncool. The kids 7 no one cares and hopefully every 7 year old will have to do the same. In england hardly any kids wear seat belts but in the rest of europe especially scandinavian countries and germany kids have booster seats and it reflects in statistics that they do save lives and prevent serious injuries.
But seabelts werent specifically designed for children and I even belive kiddie dummies in crash tests are sat in a booster seat.
I dont see why any parent should be upset about having to put their 7yr old in a child seat especially on a basis that it looks uncool. The kids 7 no one cares and hopefully every 7 year old will have to do the same. In england hardly any kids wear seat belts but in the rest of europe especially scandinavian countries and germany kids have booster seats and it reflects in statistics that they do save lives and prevent serious injuries.