IT COULD mean the difference between life and death for thousands of children - and many parents do not even realise.

Road safety chiefs say they are "extremely concerned" that parents don't know the law on child car seats is changing.

New laws come into force this month meaning children up to the age of 12 must use a child restraint.

If they are not followed, the consequences could be "horrific".

York's fire chief, Danny Westmoreland, today urged parents to make sure their children were safe and secure in correctly-fitted car seats.

He said: "A car seat restrains the child, stops the driver getting distracted - and in an accident, it protects them. It can mean the difference between life and death."

North Yorkshire county councillor Peter Sowray, executive member for roads and traffic, said road safety officers were "extremely concerned" about the lack of awareness of the new laws, which will come into force on September 18.

He said: "We would all like to hope we are never involved in a car accident, but collisions happen every day and drivers should ensure they comply with the new law and make sure children are correctly restrained.

"If a car is travelling at just 30mph and comes to an abrupt halt, the occupants weigh between 30 and 60 times their own weight. This means a small child weighing around two stone would weigh between 60 and 120 stones. The impact if they are not correctly restrained is devastating.

"Seat belts are designed for adults, not for children. If the car is involved in an accident and the seat belt is not in the right position, the damage to a child's internal organs can be horrific. It's important people understand the consequences.

Children are not small-scale adults. Their heads weigh up to a third of their whole body weight and it takes many years of development before they reach adult proportions so the belt must be in the right position."

Mr Westmoreland said: "From our point of view, it is really distressing and upsetting to attend any road traffic accident - but particularly one when there are unrestrained children involved."

For advice on car seats phone 01609 532616 or 01904 551331.

Alternatively, email roadsafety@northyorks. gov. uk or road. safety@york. gov. uk.

The new rules

THE new legislation governing the use of child car seats states that in vehicles where seat belts are fitted, children over three and under 12 years of age, and under 135cm in height (approximately 4ft 5ins), MUST use an appropriate child seat.

North Yorkshire county council's's road safety officers are distributing a height chart clearly marking the 135cm level to every school in the county, so anyone who is in any doubt as to whether their child should be using a child car seat can check quickly and easily.