child car seat rules
Rules for Children travelling in cars in NSW???
Does anyone know if there are rules regarding when children are allowed to sit in the front seat of a car in NSW? I know that kids in booster seats can’t sit in the front if there is an airbag, but I’ve checked the RTA website and can’t find anything specific…
As a rule of thumb any child who’s seat belt does not cross the shoulder (but crosses the neck or head area partially) should not sit in the front seat! Why because the forces developed in a collision can cause servere damage to a child who is physically to small to fit into the seat and seat belt. On impact they may even be propelled through the belt and out of the seat position!
Commonsence and discretion should be used
For a child to fit the seat and seat belt they should be restrained by the belt when sitting in the seat (without a support other than the seat) and the lap strap should be over the hip/across the waist area, the sash part of the belt should then cross over the shoulder area with the belt going over the collar bone NOT THE NECK!
It is also dangerous for smaller children to sit in the front because of air bags and the risk of suffocation (when they release and impact the passenger, as they may hit a child in the face) an adult is usually impacted in the chest area more than the face.
It is not easy to find information on this issue but if you go to the NRMA they do have research relating to this, also the old fashioned Road Traffic Hand Book Regulations should have the relevant Laws concerning front seat passengers. You might want to start looking from the time front passenger air bags were made mandatory safety equipment in cars (under the ADR’S) Australian Design Rules then follow the Legislation Hope this is helpful Goodluck
Fate of two graduating seniors hangs in the air
Mike Lynch is on a mission to see his youngest child David graduate with the Westford Academy senior class Friday. But his plea to school administrators is dangling until June 1 when administrators scheduled a followup School Committee meeting to lay the matter to rest.
