This post is sponsored by Supa Quick.
I have heard many moms say: “Well… if she can afford a car, then she should be able to afford a car seat!”
The reality is many families across the country are struggling now more than ever before since Covid-19 has had an enormous impact on jobs and salaries. Some are barely managing to cover the essentials needed to survive.
There could be several reasons why around 93% of South African parents do not strap their kids in when travelling. This stat is alarming, and it is important that we do something about this.
Instead of asking someone why they did not purchase a car seat for their child, hit them with statistics that make them feel so uncomfortable that they realise they need to do something about it.
Here are a few shocking facts:
- Every day 3200 people are killed on roads around the world, with South Africa contributing around 40 deaths per day and 15 000 annually. The country’s mortality rate per 100 000 citizens is one of the worst in the world and the largest unnatural killer of children in South Africa today is road crashes.
- South Africa’s December road death toll is more than that of many countries annually! Drinking and driving contribute to more than 50% of accidents that happen at night.
- Head injuries are the most common injuries sustained by children in motor vehicle crashes regardless of age, restraint, and crash direction.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), a car seat reduces the risk of injury by as much as 82% for children, compared to just using a seatbelt alone. There are several articles that prove this stat.
The National Road Traffic Act states that all children under the age of three years will have to be strapped into a car seat when travelling in a car around South Africa.
Here are 62 facts about car seat safety you may not know but really should.
Not sure what car seat your child needs? Read more here.
The good news is we all can help in some way! You can save a child’s life by donating your baby/toddler car seat to Wheel Well at any Supa Quick store.
Wheel Well collects 2nd hand car seats, refurbishes them, and donates it to moms in need.
How does it work?
- Donate your pre-loved car seat at any Supa Quick drop-off points. Find your nearest branch here.
Supa Quick currently has over 200 fitment centres around the country!
- The car seat will go through a test to check the overall condition of it.
- The car seat will be cleaned and recondition to as good-as-new state and up to EU regulations and standards.
- Donated car seats will be redistributed to lower-income families.
- Car seats that are unsuitable for refurbishing will be recycled.
The goal is to collect 1000 car seats by 2021. Can we do it?!
I did my bit by donating my son’s old car seat and ISOfix at my nearest Supa Quick store. As a content creator, it is my duty to also set an example in anything I encourage you to do.
I am happy that I could contribute towards helping a mom and child in need. More importantly, contributing to an initiative that is so close to my heart.
If you don’t have a 2nd hand car seat to donate, you can also assist by donating what you can to Wheel Well via Snapscan.
Also remember, before a long trip, it is important to do a vehicle safety check. While searching Supa Quick’s website, I came across this amazing freebie which I had to tell you about!
You can get a totally free safety check at any Supa Quick branch so that you know that when you arrive, you will be safe and sound. Plus, this free safety check gets you 200 eBucks just for coming in and getting all those vehicle safety basics covered.
