60% of parents 'allow children to travel without seat-belts'

The National Safety Council has claimed that 60% of Irish parents allow their children to travel in vehicles without using seat-belts or other restraints.

The council made the claim at the launch of a booklet informing parents about the dangers of not wearing seat-belts.

It said at least one child was killed in accidents on Ireland's road every month and, between 1998 and 2002, more than 2,500 children under the age of 14 had died or were injured on Ireland's roads.

The council said one of the main problems was parents failing to secure child seats correctly and such restraints, when used properly, were shown to reduce injuries by more than 90%.

Meanwhile, speaking at today’s launch, Transport Minister Martin Cullen reminded motorists that they faced up to four penalty points and a fine of up to €800 if passengers under the age of 17 were not properly restrained.