Every year, thousands of South African kids are injured or killed in road accidents. What's heartbreaking is that many of these accidents happen when kids are properly buckled in, but in the wrong car seat for their age and stage of development. That's why Kelston Motor Group is teaming up with Maxi-Cosi to raise awareness about child passenger safety.
The Right Seat Matters
We're not just talking about airbags and seatbelts here. We're talking about making sure every passenger, especially the little ones, is protected in the right way. That's why we're joining forces with Maxi-Cosi to spread the word about proper child car seat use and give our customers a chance to win some amazing prizes.
Win Big with Kelston and Maxi-Cosi
When you buy a vehicle from Kelston Motor Group during Child Passenger Safety Week (September 21-27, 2025), you'll be automatically entered into a draw to win a Maxi-Cosi car seat bundle and an exclusive prize from Kelston. It's our way of celebrating families who put safety first on every journey.
The Power of Rear-Facing Seats
You might've heard it before, but it bears repeating: rear-facing car seats are a game-changer. According to Debbie Billson from Maxi-Cosi, "Rear-facing isn't just a guideline – it's a game-changer." The stats back it up: rear-facing seats can be up to five times safer than forward-facing ones for babies and toddlers. Here's why:
- Young kids have big heads, soft spines, and weak neck muscles.
- In head-on collisions (which account for around 60% of accidents), forward-facing kids are thrown forward, putting a huge strain on their neck and spine.
- Rear-facing seats absorb and spread the force of the crash, drastically reducing the risk of serious injury.
Don't Skip the Booster Seat
For kids aged 4-12, one of the most overlooked safety steps is the booster seat. Many parents see the move to an adult seatbelt as a milestone, but the truth is, seatbelts are designed for adult bodies, not kids'. Skipping the booster step puts kids at unnecessary risk. Here's what you need to know:
- Without a booster, seatbelts may sit across the stomach or neck, increasing the risk of internal or spinal injuries.
- A booster lifts the child so the belt fits correctly across the hips and shoulder.
- Studies show up to a 59% reduced risk of injury for kids aged 4-8 when using a booster seat compared to a seatbelt alone.
Take Action This Child Passenger Safety Week
Before turning a car seat around or retiring a booster, ask yourself: is my child really ready? At Kelston Motor Group, we're proud to do our part by raising awareness, rewarding families who prioritise safety, and ensuring that every journey begins with peace of mind.
Get Involved
Visit the Maxi-Cosi website to learn more about child passenger safety, guidelines for different stages, and expert tips for keeping your family safe on the road. And when you buy a vehicle from Kelston Motor Group during Child Passenger Safety Week, you could drive away with not just a car, but also the reassurance of a Maxi-Cosi car seat bundle for your family's journey. Because at Kelston, your family's safety always comes first.
