Consumers warned about outdated pamphlet

The Motor Registration Division of the Department of Government Services wishes to advise consumers and retailers and that a pamphlet on the use of child seats, entitled "Life is Precious: Choosing and Using Child Safety Seats", is out of date and should be destroyed.

The pamphlet was developed in the 1980s by the then-Department of Works, Services and Transportation. The information published in this pamphlet was correct at the time of printing, but new products and advanced testing of child safety seats has resulted in safer and more up-to-date information being developed.

It has been brought to our attention that while these pamphlets were destroyed by the Department of Government Services in 1996, some copies are still circulation. The department requests that all retailers ensure that these pamphlets are pulled from store shelves and destroyed.

Consumers should adhere to current information on the proper use of child safety seats published below, or visit the Transport Canada Web site at www.tc.gc.ca/roadsafety

Media contact: Tracy Barron, Communications, (709) 729-4860, 690-6157

BACKGROUNDER

• Use a rear-facing seat to a minimum of 10 kg (22 lb) and to when your baby can pull themselves up to a stand unassisted (usually around 12 months).
• Use a forward-facing child seat from a minimum of 10 kg (22 lb) until a minimum of 18 kg (40 lb). Some forward-facing seats can be used until 21 kg (48 lb).
• Use a booster seat from a minimum of 18 kg (40 lb) to 36 kg (80 lb), or until the child can fit the seat belt system properly.
• Use a vehicle seat belt (ideally with a shoulder belt) when your child outgrows the booster seat.

2005 05 24                      10:35 a.m.