When it comes to car safety, most parents know the importance of buckling up. Yet many still underestimate just how dangerous it is to let a child travel without the right restraint. A quick trip to the shops, a moment of distraction, or thinking “it won’t happen to me” can carry life-changing consequences. Even at low speeds, a crash can unleash forces on a child’s body that are almost impossible to imagine.
In this blog, we’ll look at what really happens in a crash when a child isn’t properly restrained, and why a correctly fitted car seat is one of the most important investments you’ll ever make.
The Force of Impact – More Than You Think
One of the biggest misconceptions is that low-speed accidents aren’t particularly dangerous. In reality, even a collision at 40 km/h can generate an impact force similar to falling from a two-storey building. For a small child, this is devastating. Their bodies are still developing — bones are softer, heads are proportionally larger, and neck muscles are far weaker compared to an adult’s.
When a child is unrestrained, their body continues moving at the speed the car was travelling until something stops them. This could mean hitting the seat in front, a window, the dashboard, or in the worst cases, being thrown from the vehicle entirely.
What Happens Without a Proper Restraint
Seatbelts and car seats are designed to manage crash forces by spreading them across the strongest parts of the body. Without them, a child’s fragile body takes the full brunt of the collision.
-
Head and brain injuries: The head is often the first point of impact. Even at low speeds, this can cause concussion, skull fractures, or traumatic brain injury.
-
Chest and abdominal injuries: With nothing to hold them back, internal organs can slam against the ribcage or spine, causing internal bleeding or organ damage.
-
Spinal damage: Sudden movement can cause the spinal cord to stretch or snap, leading to lifelong disability.
A properly fitted car seat dramatically reduces these risks, holding a child securely and absorbing some of the crash energy so their body doesn’t have to.
The Risk of Improper Use
Sometimes the issue isn’t that a child isn’t in a restraint at all, but that the seat is the wrong size or not installed correctly. Using a booster seat too early, loosening straps for comfort, or not securing the tether properly can all be just as dangerous as not using a seat at all. In a crash, slack or poor positioning means the child can still be thrown forward, or the harness may cause injury by pressing on the wrong parts of the body.
According to road safety experts, a large percentage of child restraints in Australia are either the wrong fit for the child’s age and size or installed incorrectly. It only takes a few minutes to double-check your setup, but it could make the difference between a near miss and a tragedy.
The Myth of “Just a Short Trip”
Many parents admit to skipping the car seat for short, familiar drives. The reality is that most accidents happen close to home. Even if you’re only driving at 30 or 40 km/h, the force in a crash is still extreme. Think about it: would you ever let your child jump from the roof of a house? Because that’s essentially the level of impact force they’re facing in a “minor” crash.
Consistency is key. Whether it’s a five-minute school run or a long road trip, children should always be properly restrained in a car seat suitable for their size and weight.
Building Safe Habits for Life
Beyond the physical protection, car seats teach children the importance of road safety from a young age. When buckling up becomes second nature, kids carry this habit into their teenage years and adulthood, where seatbelts remain just as vital.
For parents, the responsibility is clear: ensuring your child is restrained every single time they travel. It’s not about convenience or comfort, but about giving them the best possible chance in the event of a crash.
The phrase “unbuckled = unsafe” couldn’t be more true. Without a proper car seat, the risk of serious injury or death in a crash skyrockets — even at low speeds. By investing in the right restraint, installing it correctly, and using it every time, you’re giving your child the best protection possible. After all, no errand or short trip is worth gambling with their safety.
