Hillis hails new European Regulations on Seat Belts as an important measure for Child Safety
Norman Hillis, the Ulster Unionist spokesperson for European Issues, has warmly welcomed new European Union rules on wearing seat belts which came into force in the UK on Monday 18 September.
The new rules include a requirement that children under 135cm tall and under the age of 12 must use child seats appropriate to their height and weight.
Mr Hillis said, “While these new rules mean that many families will be obliged to purchase child seats where before they would have not, it seems a small price to pay for the peace of mind it will provide.
“The average child reaches 135cm tall by the time they are nine years old but below this height they are not protected by using an adult seat belt. Indeed using an adult seat belt can actually cause more damage in the case of an accident.
“The strap over the shoulder will in most cases obstruct the face of a small child while the strap around the waist is unsuitable to protect the ribs.”
While Mr Hillis was enthusiastic about the new rules he also encouraged the European Commission to consider regulations to promote safety features during car design.
“While these new rules are very much welcome, with the alarming numbers of people dying on the roads, - more than 90 people have perished on Northern Ireland’s roads so far this year - I feel that more can still be done.
“Safer car design can drastically reduce the effect of road crashes: safer vehicle fronts can reduce the potential of injury to pedestrians; increased safety features can protect passengers involved in accidents; I call on the European Commission to implement directives which tighten up the regulations regarding car design and reduce the numbers European families who have to suffer the loss of loved ones.”