Latest News : Big Fall In Child Injuries Following New Child Seat Law

The number of children under 12 injured in car accidents in Great Britain fell by more than 1,000 in the first full year since the introduction of the new car seat law, according to figures released today.

The Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents welcomed the news as proof that the legislation was working and helping to reduce pain and suffering for children and their families.

New legislation was introduced in September 2006 making it compulsory for children under 12 and below 4ft 5in (1.35m) tall to use child car seats or booster seats.

In 2005, the last year before the law came in 7,033, children under 12 were injured while passengers in cars, and 326 of them were killed or seriously injured. In 2007 the number hurt had fallen to 5,927, with 271 killed or seriously injured.