Standards Australia has launched an Australian Standard intended to help protect children with disabilities and medical conditions when travelling in motor vehicles. The updated standard will enable prescribers to recommend the most suitable restraint option for these children.
Chief executive of Standards Australia, Colin Blair, said the purpose of the standard is to reduce the risk of injury to both the child and other occupants in vehicle accidents. He said the major changes to AS/NZS 4370:2013 Restraint of children with disabilities or medical conditions in motor vehicles, includes considerations for children with complex and challenging behaviours.
He said the guidelines give restraint options in order of preference and covers children up to the age of 16 years.
According to a survey conducted by the Murdoch Children’s Research Institute, in 25 per cent of cases, families of children with additional needs were putting their children at risk by not purchasing the recommended child restraint.