Child safety on the road is a pressing issue that affects every motorist in Singapore.
With an increasing number of road traffic accidents involving children, ensuring proper restraint measures has never been more critical.
In a commendable move, KK Women’s and Children’s Hospital (KKH) has launched Singapore’s first newborn car seat loan programme.
This initiative aims to reduce child road traffic injuries by offering free car seat loans to parents for their baby’s first year.
Despite laws requiring children below 1.35 metres to be secured in an appropriate car seat, many parents in Singapore still do not comply.
Studies have shown that many injuries sustained in accidents could be prevented with the correct use of car seats.
In an article shared by Medical Channel Asia recently, according to Dr. Ronald Tan, Senior Consultant at KKH’s Department of Emergency Medicine, many of the severe injuries in young passengers could have been avoided with proper restraints.
Additionally, a study of 1,483 children and adolescents involved in road accidents found that more than half were not secured in a child car seat at the time of the crash.
Some parents cite inconvenience or cost as reasons for not using car seats, while others lack knowledge on how to properly install and use them. This is where KKH’s programme steps in to bridge the gap.
The Medical Channel Asia article highlighted the initiative as a crucial step in improving child road safety.
It featured expert insights on the importance of car seat use and the severe risks posed by improper restraints in accidents.
Different types of car seats are suitable for children of different ages and sizes
(Image credits: Medical Channel Asia)
Launched in March 2025, the KKH car seat loan programme allows expectant parents to register for a free infant car seat during their antenatal check-ups.
The seats, sponsored by Komoco Motors, aim to remove financial barriers that prevent families from securing their children in vehicles.
Komoco Holdings Pte Ltd is a regional automotive group of companies that was established in
1986 with it base operation in Singapore.
(Image credits: Komoco Singapore)
Parents can sign up online or during their third-trimester check-up and receive educational resources on proper installation and use.
Additionally, KKH provides hands-on demonstrations and access to a Child Passenger Safety Expert to guide parents in using the car seat correctly.
The loan period lasts for one year, after which parents return the seat and receive a subsidy towards purchasing the next appropriate car seat for their child.
Up to 300 expectant parents who are going to give birth at KK Women’s and Children’s Hospital can sign up to borrow an infant car seat for free for a year. (Image credits: KK Women’s and Children’s Hospital)
While this initiative is a step in the right direction, road safety is a collective responsibility.
ROADS.sg has long advocated for better road habits among drivers, emphasising that child safety is not just the responsibility of parents but of all road users.
Every motorist plays a role in ensuring a safer environment for children.
Being mindful of speed limits, obeying traffic rules, and exercising caution near schools and residential areas can prevent tragic accidents.
A child in a car seat is protected, but a reckless driver on the road can still pose a significant danger.
While the first year of protection is crucial, parents must continue using appropriate car seats as their child grows.
Experts recommend:
Many parents transition too early or stop using car seats altogether, unaware of the increased risk this poses.
Dr. Tan stresses the importance of transitioning to the right car seat at every stage of a child’s development to ensure continuous safety.
With all 300 car seats from KKH’s first phase fully redeemed as of 3 March 2025, the overwhelming response highlights growing awareness of child road safety.
While new sign-ups are currently closed, experts continue to urge parents to prioritize car seat use beyond the first year.
As road users, we must recognize that ensuring child safety extends beyond enforcement—it requires community-wide commitment.
Whether you’re a parent, pedestrian, or fellow driver, creating a safer road environment for children is a shared responsibility.
Accidents occur frequently, but as responsible road users, we can collectively contribute to reducing their frequency.
If you or someone you know has a video or story to share, please do not hesitate to email us at writer@roads.sg
Together, we can all contribute to creating safer roads for everyone.
================
Get comprehensive cover at a lower price today! Receive up to S$400 worth of petrol vouchers with AIG. T&Cs apply. Protected up to specified limits by SDIC.
Get a quote now! www.aig.sg/roads
Comments are off for this post.