As most kiwis know, driving in New Zealand can be a pleasure-filled experience. Once you are outside the busy streets of cities such as Auckland and Wellington the roads are usually traffic free and open. Subsequently many folk travel to the coast for holidays by the beach, or to our beautiful lakes such as Taupo in the North Island or Wanaka in the South.
Driving on New Zealand’s excellently planned and maintained roads are highlights for not only kiwis but also for the many tourists who visit throughout the year, especially in the summer. But unfortunately there is a darker side to the joys of the open road – our country has some of the highest road accident rates in the world.
Every day, there is at least one death on New Zealand’s roads and another seven people are seriously injured. New Zealand’s Road traffic accident rate ranks 29th out of 33 OECD countries for road deaths, with a death rate of 7.9 deaths per 100,000 people.
Statistics like these should be of major concern to parents especially. A family road trip around the country can be fun, and it is important that everyone gets there and back safely. While safety belts and airbags can help protect adults in a crash, children need special attention, not just on a long trip but also around town.
For safety measures, child car seats are an absolute essential when it comes to keeping our little ones safe during car trips to the beach, or even the grocery store or grandma’s house. In New Zealand, making sure that young children are installed safely in car seats is not only a requirement by law, but it also represents responsible behaviour that could also save lives.
Investing in a high-quality car seat means that you’re investing in your child’s safety. These car seats have undergone stringent testing and meet strict safety standards to provide maximum protection. They come equipped with such features as side impact protection, and adjustable harnesses, and comfortable padding to provide both safety and comfort for your little one.
If you are having difficulty deciding which car seat is best for you and your infant, you can consider renting one, either short term or long term. For example, We Parental offer a variety of seat types and designs for as little as $4 a day. This includes everything from capsule car seats for babies up to booster seats for older children. Parental also rent strollers, foldable highchairs and even portable cots making them a one stop shop for all your travelling needs.
Ensuring the use of appropriate child car seats in New Zealand can significantly reduce the risk of injuries or fatalities caused by road accidents involving infants and young children. As parents this is our responsibility, so let’s work together to create a safer environment for our youngest passengers on the roads.
Happy Parenting!