More than half of child car seats fitted incorrectly, making children 'particularly vulnerable in a crash'

Ensuring children are correctly restrained in vehicles is one of the simplest and most effective ways to reduce preventable injury.

More than half of child car seats checked by the Road Safety Authority (RSA) in the first half of 2026 were fitted incorrectly, and a significant number had major safety issues.

Over half (53%) of the 3,282 car seats checked by the RSA’s Check It Fits service between January and June were found to be non-compliant.

A further 23% of these were found to have major safety-critical issues, such as the seat being excessively loose as to make the fitting almost ineffective, poorly adjusted harnesses, or seats not suited to the child or vehicle.

A further 76% were found to have a minor non-compliant fit. This included the fitting being loose or having a twisted seatbelt, with these issues resolved on-site.

The remaining 1% of checked car seats were condemned on inspection by the RSA because they were broken, missing components, excessively worn, or failed to meet relevant EU standards.

In many cases, parents and carers are unaware there is an issue with the fitting of their child’s car seat, according to the RSA.

According to its recent child casualties report, 39 children aged 15 and under lost their lives on Irish roads between 2020 and 2024, while 584 were seriously injured. 

Ensuring children are correctly restrained in vehicles is one of the simplest and most effective ways to reduce preventable injury.

“When a child's car seat is fitted correctly, it offers vital protection at a time when a child’s growing body is particularly vulnerable in a crash,” said Dr Sara Hope Kift, clinical specialist neonatal occupational therapist.

“But what we continue to see is that many seats are unintentionally being used in a way that reduces the protection that they can offer, whether that’s because the harness is too loose, the seat is not secured tightly enough, or the seat is no longer the right fit for the child.” 

She added: “For parents and guardians, these are often understandable mistakes, especially as children grow, routines get busy, and seats are moved between vehicles.” 

However, the consequences can be very serious.

A child car seat is one of the most important safety items a family will ever use, and taking a few minutes to have it checked can make a real difference.

With more people travelling by car during the summer months for holidays, day trips, sporting activities and family visits, the RSA is reminding anyone transporting children, including parents, grandparents, childminders and carers, that even short or familiar journeys can carry serious risk if a child restraint is not fitted or used properly. 

It is encouraging parents and guardians to check whether their child’s car seat is suitable for the child’s age, height and weight, installed correctly in the vehicle, adjusted properly, including its straps and harness position, in good condition and compliant with relevant standards.

RSA road safety and education manager Christine Hegarty said: “Summer is a busy travel period on our roads, with many families travelling more often and for longer journeys. We know from our Check it Fits service that child car seat misuse remains far too common, and in many cases parents and carers are simply unaware that there is an issue. 

"That is why this service is so important. It provides practical, expert support that can help families make sure their child is travelling as safely as possible every time they get into the car.”

For more information visit rsa.ie/checkitfits