A nationwide roadshow that aims to cut the number of children killed in car accidents through proper use of child seats is being unveiled today.
The "Check it Fits" roadshow, run by the National Safety Council (NSC), will begin in Dublin and tour the country, giving parents the chance to have their children's car seats checked by experts.
According to NSC figures, 48 per cent of child deaths in Europe are road related.
Minister for Transport Martin Cullen said the road show is a very positive step in ensuring that parents are properly informed in relation to this important issue.
"I am urging everyone, particularly parents to be mindful of this. Children are returning to school this week and it is vital that even during short journeys, appropriate caution is exercised," he said.
The NSC has produced a DVD that provides information and advice on choosing and fitting of child car seats.
Brian Farrell, spokesman for NSC said: "Between 1996 and 2000 the number of children killed in cars on Irish roads was equal to three classes of primary school children.
"Many of these horrific deaths are preventable if parents know how to choose a car seat and how to use them."
Mr Cullen also referred to the most recent seat belt wearing statistics among school children made available by the National Roads Authority. "The increased wearing rates, particularly in the rear of vehicles, is a positive development, but there is room for improvement," he said.
The Road Safety Strategy 2004-2006 sets a target of a 25 per cent reduction in road deaths by the end of 2006 on the average number of road deaths between 1998 and 2003. The Minister indicated that "recent trends in road deaths highlight the importance of achieving that target".
Additional reporting PA