Transurban and Kidsafe are urging parents to keep their school aged children safely secured in the correct car seat for their age and height, and to avoid the front seat until children are at least 12 years of age.

Latest research from Transurban suggests most parents aren’t sure when their child can safely transition from a car seat and into an adult seat.

While 72% of people believed they were compliant with the National Child Restraint Guidelines, only 3% of people surveyed could correctly identify the five-step test for making this transition.

Transurban Head of Road Safety Liz Waller said the figures showed parents had a significant knowledge gap in keeping children safe on the road.

“Our research shows most parents think they are doing the right thing – but the majority are still not sure when their child can transition out of a car seat and into an adult seat,” Ms Waller said.

“Alarmingly, about a third of people surveyed admitted they make exceptions and allow their young children to sit in the front seat, sometimes as a reward.”

According to Kidsafe and the National Child Restraint Guidelines, children under seven must remain in a booster seat to minimise injury. After the age of seven, children should only transition out of a booster if they pass the five-step test. Children should only sit in the front seat after they turn 12 years old, are tall enough to have their feet touch the ground and pass the five-step test.

Find out if your child is ready to safely make this transition or book a free professional car seat fitting or safety check with Kidsafe today.