Child safety

There is an ongoing commitment to increase the use of seatbelts and child restraints. They are a very effective secondary safety measure which save lives and reduce the severity of injuries sustained by vehicle occupants. The Good Egg Campaign is focused on the correct fitting and use of child car seats and restraints.

The 'Good Egg' campaign

The campaign started in August 2002 and has run each year since then for several weeks in the summer months. The partners in the campaign are Road Safety Scotland, Association of Chief Police Officers Scotland and the Arnold Clark Group. The campaign is supported by the “Good Egg Guide” which was revamped in 2005, and the website http://www.protectchild.co.uk/. Together, they provide advice on appropriate child restraints, buying and fitting car seats, what the law says, and details of local car-seat clinics held throughout Scotland during the campaign. These clinics are organised by local authority and police road safety units, often in conjunction with retailers.

Road Safety Scotland is grateful to the Dynamic Advertising Group for their efforts in co-ordinating this campaign.

Child car seats

RoSPA has also developed a comprehensive website with valuable information on this issue. Child car seats.

Seatbelt compliance rates

Research on seatbelt compliance rates showed the continuing need for the campaign. The rate for all vehicle occupants was 88.6% but specific groups of children have lower compliance rates.