What Car? Q&A - Does my five-year-old need a car seat?

Q: My friend told me that I'm not legally required to use a child seat for my five-year-old. Is this the case?
Louise Rice

A: She's right but we'd advise you never to travel anywhere without securing your children properly in an appropriate restraint.

Even if you're just popping around the corner, or you're in a desperate rush, always take the time to strap children in safely. You might think a five-year-old can make do with an adult's seatbelt but it won't hold them in properly and could do them more harm than good.

If they're not in a proper seat, even a low speed crash could seriously injure or kill a child. If they're unrestrained, they'll fly around the cabin in an accident and could easily injure or kill other occupants too.

New legislation forcing parents to use an appropriate seat is expected to come into force in May 2006.