Irish Road Safety Authority finds over half of child car seats incorrectly fitted

The Road Safety Authority (RSA) inspected 3,282 child car seats in Ireland between January and June 2026. Its checks revealed that 53 % of the seats were not fitted correctly, while only 47 % met safety standards. About a quarter of the non‑compliant seats had serious safety‑critical faults such as loose harnesses or unsuitable restraints, and 1 % were condemned for damage or missing parts.

The RSA urges parents to regularly verify that car seats are installed, adjusted and maintained properly, stressing that an incorrectly fitted seat significantly increases risk to children in a crash. It offers a free “Check it Fits” service and advises drivers to have seats inspected before traveling this summer.