SINGAPORE : Three agencies have joined hands to launch a new campaign on the importance of child seats in vehicles.

The Traffic Police, Thomson Medical Centre and Volvo Cars want parents to realise that using child seats can help save lives, in the event of an accident.

KK Women's and Children's Hospital saw about 130 cases of injured children in car accidents in 2006. But last year, that figure went down to about 100.

The hospital said head injuries and limb fractures are common in such cases.

The "Child Seats Save Little Lives" campaign is timely as it comes on the back of recent accidents involving children.

"A lot of (parents) are not belting up their children. Through this education and outreach programme, we (hope to) reach out to them and change their mindset," said Commander Christopher Ng, Traffic Police Department.

Karen Koh is one parent who did not put her daughter Chloe in a car seat until she was eight months old. Since then, three-year-old Chloe is strapped down every time she's in a car.

"(I used to just hold her in my arms). But after reading a lot and doing my own research, I realised that belting her up is very important. That's why I went to buy one (child seat)," said Koh.

Another parent, Carol Lim said: "I put them in a child seat (since they were young), so now they are used to it. A lot of parents struggle when the children throw tantrums, so they tend to carry them instead. But for me, I'll just try to distract them, like give them toys or ... some things to munch on to distract their attention."

Paediatricians said injuries involving unrestrained children in car accidents include bruises and muscle pull.

"A sudden brake may cause the child to be hit harder and that can cause concussion or even a blood vessel tear, which may cause bleeding in the brain, and that's serious. What's more, the child may be thrown out of the car or hit an object in front. That can cause fractures as well. These injuries are serious and totally unnecessary, if only you strap the child (in a car seat)," said Dr Ang Poon Liat, Consultant Paediatrician, Paediatric Centre at Thomson Medical Centre.

According to some statistics, a child fastened in a rearward-facing child seat is 90 percent less likely to be injured in an accident, compared to one who is not restrained, like in the arms of a parent.

In Singapore, it is compulsory for all children below age 8 to be secured in a car seat. Offenders will be fined S$120 and receive three demerit points. - CNA /ls