More drivers caught for flouting child seat belt rules
By Alice Chia | Posted: 12 September 2012 2020 hrs
SINGAPORE: More drivers have been caught by the Traffic Police for not putting on seat belts or appropriate restraints for children travelling in vehicles.
The number has doubled in the first half of this year, compared to the same period last year.
This follows changes to seat belt rules in the beginning of the year.
Since January, anyone below the height of 1.35 metres needs to be properly secured - either with seat belts, child restraints or booster seat cushions - when travelling in a car.
Previously, the seat belt rule applies to children aged eight and below.
Police say in the first half of the year, 490 drivers were caught for failing to belt up their young passengers, compared to 220 in the same period last year.
Parents say they find it challenging to belt up their children.
"You need to offer some incentives, sweets and all sorts of funny things, all the distractions. It actually has its practical issues."
"The kids find it uncomfortable but we try to force it onto them. Otherwise, we just don't move off because it is important for them, for their safety."
"Of course as a parent, we just need to tell them that this is for their safety. If I'm struggling, if they refuse to put the seat belt on, I just use force to buckle them up. After that, they just cry a little, then it's ok."
One psychologist says it's understandable that kids do not like to be restrained, but parents need to think safety first and not give in to their children.
Dr Qu Li, Assistant Professor, Division of Psychology, Nanyang Technological University, said: "Parents need to know more about how to deal with the situation and more about safety issues. For example, in Singapore, once in a while, we will see parents putting young children at the front passenger seat, which is not safe at all. Some parents may think this seat is safe, there is an air bag to protect the children. For younger children who are so short, when the air bags blow open, it will completely cover their face. They can't breath. They will die."
She said adults need to get creative when teaching kids the importance of belting up.
Dr Qu said: "If we just say, bring a textbook, this is rule number 1, number 2, number 3, children of course won't follow it. But if we say, "let's play a game, you're the driver, I'm the passenger, and what we will do." Children can learn very fast. Also I think what they learn during the pre-school years, they will remember. That will also help when they grow up and become teenagers."
Police stressed the importance of drivers taking responsibility for their own safety and the safety of their young passengers.
Those who flout the seat-belt rules will be fined $120, and given three demerit points.
- CNA/de
