Despite the all the warnings, many parents still allow their children to travel unrestrained All the lawnmowers, see-saws and skateboards in the world cannot match cars when it comes to death and injury in children. However an astonishing number of parents allow their children to travel unrestrained in vehicles.

Every driver in the country is used to the sight of children bobbing around in the back seat without restraint. Brian Farrell of the National Safety Council believes that the message is still not getting through to many parents.

"There was outcry when Michael Jackson dangled his baby over a balcony. The reality is that many, many Irish parents take a similar risk every day when they allow their children to travel unrestrained in cars."

Research into child car passenger fatalities in the period 1996 to 2000 reveals that over three-quarters of child fatalities were found not to have been using a child restraint or seatbelt.

In a crash at just 30 mph, an unrestrained child would be thrown forward with a force 30 to 60 times their body weight. "Even if you are using a seat belt, the child would be torn from your arms - you would not be able to hold onto them, no matter how hard you try," says Farrell.

"It is also dangerous to put a seat belt around yourself and a child (or around two children). The safest way for children to travel in cars is in a car seat that is suitable for their weight and height."

The law states that drivers have a responsibility to ensure passengers under 17 must use a seat belt if aged over four, or use an appropriate child restraint. The option to use an (adult) safety belt is only applicable to children over four years of age.

The use of a child restraint is an option at all ages so long as it is "appropriate" by reference to the child's weight. Since August 25th, 2003 drivers now face up to four penalty points and a fine of up to 800 if convicted in court for failure to observe these legal obligations.

From a safety perspective, it is advised that children continue to use booster seats until the age of 11. Seat belts are designed for people 150 cms (about 5ft) and taller. Don't let your child graduate to using the seat belt too soon.