Demand for child car seats in the city has gone up as new traffic rules come into force from March 1

Demand for child car seats in the city has gone up as new traffic rules come into force from March 1. As per the new rules, child car seats have been made mandatory for those under four years.

According to Muscat Daily  several hypermarkets and retail outlets and found parents checking out seats which suit their children best. Hypermarkets have even deputed staff to explain the functioning of these seats to parents.

Child car seats are available between RO20 and RO50.

Priya S, a mother of two year old girl, who was looking for a car seat at a hypermarket, said, “My daughter sits on my lap while travelling. From next month, it will be illegal to carry the child that way.”

An employee at the hypermarket said, “As March 1 is just a few days away, more and more parents are coming to buy child car seats. We teach them how to fasten the child in the seat. From two to three seats per days, now we sell around 20.”

A staff at another hypermarket said, “Earlier, child car seats were displayed in a corner of the kids’ section. Now, they are displayed at the entrance itself.”

Speaking about the issue, an official from the Directorate General of Traffic said the rule already existed but it will be enforced strictly from March 1. “Children are the worst-affected in case of an accident as they are not fastened to seats. Children below four years are usually restless while travelling, so a car seat is the safest solution. That is why we have made it mandatory.”

Parvathy M, a mother of three year old girl said, “It is good to be cautious now than sorry later. I bought a used seat online from a family that was leaving the country for good. My child is very happy to jump into the car seat as soon as the door opens.”

Sajith S, the father of a two year old said, “This is the best gift that you could give a child. It’s for your own child’s safety.”

The directorate official said that parents should ensure that all children below four are fastened to car seats. “Our officials can ask for proof of the child’s date of birth if he is not in a child seat. Those who travel in a taxi will have to carry a child seat along to ensure their children’s safety. A taxi driver is not required to provide a child seat.”