Let´s Look at Keeping Children Safe in Cars

The summer holidays are upon us, and as families across Spain (and those visiting!) prepare to hit the road, it’s crucial to ensure the safety of our youngest passengers. Road rules can vary significantly between countries, and when it comes to children in cars, Spain has specific regulations designed to keep little ones safe.

Key Rules for Child Car Safety in Spain:

Children Must Travel on the Rear Seats

Any child measuring 135 cm or less in height, regardless of their age, must travel in the rear seats of the vehicle.

This rule only has two exceptions: If the vehicle does not have rear seats. If all rear seats are already occupied by other children using appropriate restraint systems.

Approved Child Restraint Systems (CRS) are Mandatory

Children must be seated in a correct and approved car seat that is appropriate for their size and weight. These Child Restraint Systems (CRS) offer the best protection for children in a vehicle.

Seatbelts for Everyone

It should go without saying, but it’s a vital reminder: all vehicle occupants, including children, must wear their seatbelts.

Why These Rules Matter: The Critical Importance of CRS

The law mandates the use of child restraint systems for a compelling reason: they drastically reduce injuries. Studies show that using an approved CRS can reduce injuries by up to 75% in the event of a collision.

Tragically, road traffic incidents are the leading cause of death among children under 14 years of age. Data from the DGT (Spain’s Directorate General of Traffic) reveals a heartbreaking statistic: 40% of children who lose their lives in road accidents were not using any protection system. These lives, in many cases, could have been saved.

Ensuring Your Car Seat is Approved: Look for the Orange Label

To guarantee your child’s safety, it’s essential to use an approved car seat. Seats that meet the minimum required safety standards carry an orange approval label, usually found on the rear of the seat. This label is your assurance that the seat has undergone rigorous testing for safety and reliability.

This approval system is based on the European standard and EU regulations, which also ensures specific information is listed on the label.

Choosing the Right Seat: Classification by Weight

Car seats are classified based on the child’s physical characteristics, with weight being the most crucial factor. While age guides are often provided, remember that children of the same age can vary significantly in size, so the weight and height guidelines are most important when selecting the appropriate car seat for your child.