In the period from October 7 to October 13, 2024, the Zagreb Police Administration conducted an action under the name "Monitoring the Use of Mobile Phones and Other Devices + Seat Belt". This action, which is part of European efforts to improve road safety, aimed to reduce the number of offenses related to the use of mobile phones while driving, as well as to ensure the proper use of seat belts and child seats. During the action, 789 traffic offenses were recorded, including 490 offenses for not using seat belts, and a concerning 14 children were not secured in appropriate child seats.

Child safety in traffic

Child safety in the car is one of the most important aspects of traffic safety. In Croatia, according to current laws, children must be protected by appropriate child seats until a certain height and weight. There are several types of child seats, and choosing the right one can significantly affect the child's safety. Various types of seats are available on the market, including infant carriers for newborns, convertible seats that can be used both forward-facing and rear-facing, and booster seats for older children.

Infant carriers are designed for newborns and babies, and they are placed parallel to the backrest of the seat. While children over one year of age are recommended to be transported facing backward, new research suggests that children should remain rear-facing until at least 2 years of age or until they reach a certain weight, in order to reduce the risk of injury in the event of a collision.

Child car seats and their importance

It is recommended to use child seats that meet the latest safety standards, such as i-Size, which ensures that the seats are tested in frontal and side collisions. Many models now come with the ISOFIX system, which further ensures the stability and safety of the seat within the vehicle. For example, the Joie i-Harbour car seat with the i-Base Encore base is an award-winning product for its ease of use and high safety standards.

Using child seats that have integrated safety belts significantly reduces the risk of injury. While standard car belts are sufficient for older children, younger drivers need the additional protection provided by child seats. Additionally, parents should regularly check the correct installation of child seats, as improper installation can dramatically increase the risk of injury.

Statistics and recommendations for using child seats

Based on research and statistics, using appropriate child seats reduces the risk of fatalities and serious injuries to children in traffic. In Croatia, it has been recorded that using the correct child seats can reduce the likelihood of injuries by up to 80% in the event of a traffic accident. Therefore, it is of utmost importance that all parents are aware of this information and behave responsibly regarding the safety of their youngest passengers.

During the action from October 7 to October 13, 2024, the police additionally appealed to drivers to comply with safety laws and to ensure they are buckled up, as well as to properly place children in child seats. Drivers who do not use seat belts expose themselves and their passengers to the risk of serious injuries, and it remains important to ensure that children are safely secured during every trip.

Considering the frequency of traffic accidents and their consequences, it is essential that all road users take appropriate protective measures, and the proper use of child seats represents a key step towards greater safety on the road. The right child seat not only protects the child but also contributes to overall traffic safety.