By KLTV Newsdesk – 

Parents and carers urged to take advantage of expert advice at 50 free events

Parents and carers across West Yorkshire are being encouraged to have their child car seats checked by qualified professionals as a series of free safety events returns to the region.

A total of 50 child car seat-checking events will take place across West Yorkshire, with 10 sessions planned in each district.

Families can attend without booking and receive expert guidance from trained safety advisers, who will inspect car seats and help rectify any issues identified.

Alarming findings from previous checks

The initiative follows concerning findings from similar events held last year, where more than 1,000 child car seats were inspected. Around two-thirds were found to be fitted incorrectly, potentially leaving children with reduced or no protection in the event of a collision.

Common problems identified included loose seat belts, unsecured bases, incorrectly adjusted foot props, incorrect belt routing and carry handles being left in the wrong position.

The events have been organised and funded by West Yorkshire Vision Zero, the region’s road safety partnership, and will be delivered by Good Egg Safety CIC.

Vision Zero highlights importance of child safety

Alison Lowe OBE, Deputy Mayor for Policing and Crime, and Chair of the West Yorkshire Vision Zero Board, said: “The fact that two-thirds of children are at risk travelling in unsafe seats is deeply troubling.

“Being a nana myself, I made sure to make use of the Good Egg Safety service, and I am very glad that I did.

“We have worked with them for a number of years to run child car seat checking events. I am pleased so many sessions will be taking place in West Yorkshire as part of our work to reduce road deaths and serious injury to zero by 2040.”

Children are legally required to use a child car seat until they are either 12 years old or 135 centimetres tall, whichever comes first.

Experts say simple corrections could save lives

Good Egg Safety CIC says many of the issues discovered during inspections can be resolved quickly, helping to improve child safety on the road significantly.

Janis James MBE, Chief Executive of Good Egg Safety CIC, said: “Parents and carers go to extraordinary lengths to protect the children they love, yet our national data consistently shows that around two-thirds of child car seats are being used incorrectly — often by caring families who simply don’t realise something is wrong.

“The encouraging news is that many of the issues we identify can usually be corrected quickly with the support of our highly experienced and accredited Safety Advisors, potentially making a life-saving difference in the event of a collision.

“We are incredibly proud to continue working alongside West Yorkshire Vision Zero and its partners to deliver these free community events. They are practical, supportive and entirely focused on helping families travel as safely as possible.

“A correctly fitted child car seat offers vital protection if a crash happens. By also working alongside TyreSafe at selected events, we are supporting the wider Safe System approach — helping families stay safer both inside and outside the vehicle.”

Free tyre checks available at selected locations

Several of the events will also feature free tyre safety inspections from TyreSafe. Experts will check tyre pressure, tread depth and overall condition, while offering advice to motorists where necessary.

Stuart Lovatt, TyreSafe Chair, added: “Keeping children safe on our roads includes making sure the whole vehicle is safe for the journey ahead.

“At TyreSafe, we know that tyres play a vital role in protecting families, yet many drivers are unaware of issues with tyre pressure, tread depth or overall condition that could put them at risk.

“We are pleased to support these events alongside West Yorkshire Vision Zero and Good Egg Safety, giving parents and carers the opportunity to have both their child car seats and tyres checked free of charge.

“These simple checks can provide reassurance and help families travel more safely every day.”

How to attend

The child car seat checking events are free to attend, and no booking is required. Parents and carers simply need to turn up at one of the scheduled sessions to receive expert advice and support.

Further information about dates and locations is available on the child car seat check webpage.

Kirklees Dates

Below is a list of the events taking place in Kirklees