Experts urge parents to rethink car seat safety

As South Africa approaches Child Passenger Safety Week from September 21 to 27, a growing concern looms over the safety of the nation's youngest road users. Each year, many children are injured or killed in road accidents, with many incidents linked to improper usage of car seats.

The common practice of turning a seat forward too soon often undermines the very safety measures parents believe they are implementing.

“Rear-facing isn’t just a guideline – it’s a game-changer,” says Debbie Billson, spokesperson for the 2025 Child Passenger Safety campaign and representative of Maxi-Cosi Car Seats. “It’s time we stop seeing turning a seat around as a milestone. In fact, keeping your child rear-facing for longer could be one of the most important decisions you make for their safety.”

Statistics show that rear-facing car seats can be up to five times safer than their forward-facing counterparts for infants and toddlers. This heightened safety stems from the unique anatomical structure of young children. With disproportionately large heads, weak neck muscles and developing spines, babies and toddlers are particularly susceptible to injury during car accidents.

In an accident, especially in head-on collisions - accounting for around 60% of road incidents - a forward-facing child is violently thrust forward, placing immense strain on their neck and spine. Conversely, a rear-facing seat is designed to absorb and distribute crash forces across the child's back and head, thereby lowering the probability of catastrophic injuries.

“It’s a simple shift in perspective that can make an enormous difference,” adds Billson. “Rear-facing is how babies naturally curl and protect themselves – the seat mimics that instinct and reinforces it.”

While countries like the United States mandate that children remain rear-facing until at least two, and Sweden advocates for rear-facing travel until children are four or older, South Africa's regulations are not as stringent. However, an increasing awareness of the importance of child passenger safety is fostering a shift in public perception and practice.

Efforts are being made by retailers and car manufacturers to disseminate crucial knowledge about proper car seat use. Peter McNaughton, managing director of the Kelston Motor Group, says, “We fully back the rear-facing message and are proud to help amplify it during Child Passenger Safety Week.”

According to the i-Size safety guidelines, children should be kept rear-facing until a minimum of 15 months; however, many experts advocate for prolonging this until four years or more, depending on the car seat's weight and height limits. As children grow, their physical strength and development will evolve, yet their neck and spine need additional time to mature. The longer a child remains rear-facing, the greater their chances of avoiding severe injury in the event of a crash.

In the lead-up to Child Passenger Safety Week, parents are urged to assess their child's car seat positioning and make informed decisions about their safety. This proactive stance not only safeguards children but fosters an environment where child safety is prioritised on South African roads.