Most children who are restrained in vehicles with safety belts are not really safe, say the organisers of the Renault-sponsored Saved by the Belt campaign.
A spokesperson says that research shows that three out of four families with child restraint seats fail to use them correctly thereby reducing their effectiveness.
It is essential that adults acquaint themselves with and follow the manufacturer's instructions and secure seats properly before every trip.
Research also indicates that of every 100 children that die in motor vehicle crashes, at least 80 would survive if they were properly secured in an approved child safety seat or seat belts.
About 80 percent of all injuries to children in car accidents are injuries to the heads, causing brain damage, permanent disfigurement, epilepsy or death.
Another common cause of death and injury to children in motor vehicles is being crushed by adults who are not wearing safety belts.
One of four serious injuries caused to passengers generally is caused by occupants being thrown into each other.
The Saved by the Belt initiative is the brainchild of the Guild of Motoring Journalists' Committee for Active Road Safety (CARS) and is sponsored by Renault South Africa.
Motorists who owe their lives to having worn a seatbelt in an accident are urged to register with the Saved by the Belt initiative by submitting a short description of their experience via e-mail to
Registration can also be done by fax to 012 803 8399 or by mail to:
Saved by the Belt
P O Box 212
La Montagne
0184.
People registering with the initiative receive a certificate and a specially designed lapel badge to assist in promoting the benefits of seatbelt wearing.