Children are safer in cars thanks to a new initiative.

An insurance company teamed up with the police’s road safety team last autumn to sponsor accredited child car seat training for road safety officers.

The move comes after an open day revealed 70% of child seats tested in the Isle of Man were the wrong type or size for the child or were fitted incorrectly.

Road safety officers are now trained and on hand to advise local families and provide official guidance to parents, guardians and anyone required to buy or fit a child seat.

The inaugural car seat clinic was held at Douglas fire station and later the team provided advice and literature to hundreds of parents and parents to be at the Isle of Man Bump, Baby and Toddler Show at the Villa Marina.

The team has also been provided checks to local businesses and charities who carry children by minibus as well as parents referred to them by the health visitors.

’Those findings made clear the need for further awareness and support for the island’s families,’ said Ann Collins, managing director of Rossborough Insurance.

’By sponsoring additional training for key road safety staff, we now have a team of local experts who can get out and about in the community and better advise local families.

’Fitting child restraints can save lives which is why a community initiative like this, where parents and carers can take away helpful tips and practical advice, is invaluable. This has been proven to work well in the UK and we hope this will also be the case for the Isle of Man.’

Car seat checking days will now become a regular part of the team’s calendar and sessions will be held at venues around the island.

Places should be pre-booked. You can find a list of the sessions and book a place by emailing: [email protected] or call the road safety team on 631543.