Good news for parents and learner drivers in Galway: the Road Safety Authority’s free ‘Check it Fits’ child seat service is coming to town. If you’ve ever been unsure whether a child car seat is fitted correctly, or which seat is best for your child’s age and size, this practical service offers expert advice and hands-on help — all at no cost.
What is the ‘Check it Fits’ service?
The RSA runs this nationwide programme to support families with child passenger safety. Trained child passenger safety technicians will check the fit and installation of child seats, explain how to use harnesses and ISOfix anchors properly, and advise on when to move a child from a rear-facing to forward-facing seat or from a harness to a booster.
The checks are practical and personalised. Rather than simply telling you what to do, the technicians will work with you in your car so you leave confident that the seat is fitted securely and that belts and harnesses are adjusted correctly.
Why this matters for families and learner drivers in Galway
Whether you’re doing the school run in town, driving out to Connemara for a family day, or practising driving lessons on the N6 or coastal roads, a correctly fitted child seat makes a real difference in a crash. Mistakes are common — a loose harness, wrong belt path, or a seat that’s past its weight or height limit can leave a child less protected than expected.
For learner drivers, fitting child seats is an important skill. You might be asked to transport family or friends while you hold your learner permit, or you may need to fit seats as part of preparing for life after passing your test. Getting hands-on experience now means fewer worries later when weather, traffic or a late school run make everything more rushed.
What the technicians can help with
- Checking that the correct seat is being used for the child’s height and weight.
- Confirming secure installation with either ISOfix anchors or seat belts.
- Adjusting harness tension so it’s snug but comfortable — typically the 2-finger rule for harness tightness.
- Explaining the correct belt path and how to remove bulky coats that interfere with fit.
- Advising on when to transition between rear-facing, forward-facing and booster seats.
How to prepare for your visit
To get the most from the service, bring the right items and come prepared. The checks are much quicker and more useful if the technician can see how you normally use the seat.
- Bring the child seat and the vehicle you usually use it in. If possible, bring the child too so the technician can check fit with the child present.
- Bring the car handbook and the child seat manual if you have them — they help with vehicle-specific instructions and anchor points.
- Wear appropriate clothing for the child: avoid thick coats inside the harness. The technician can demonstrate why lighter layers are safer.
- Book ahead if required. While the service is free, some events operate on an appointment basis to avoid long waits.
Practical tips for learner drivers in Ireland
- Practice fitting a child seat in different vehicles if you drive multiple cars. Each makes and model can differ.
- Always check harness tightness and belt routing before you set off — under tension, the harness should not be loose.
- Use ISOfix where available for a simpler, more secure installation. Know where the anchor points are in your typical car.
- Never use a second-hand seat unless you know its full history and it hasn’t been in a crash and is within expiry date.
- Keep calm on the school run. A few extra minutes to double-check the seat can prevent a lifetime of regret.
Final thoughts
The RSA’s ‘Check it Fits’ visits are a practical, no-cost way to improve child passenger safety in Galway. Whether you’re a parent, guardian or a learner driver building experience, a short appointment can give you confidence every time you buckle a child into the car. Keep an eye on RSA communications for booking details, and take the opportunity to get expert, hands-on advice while the service is in Galway.
Source – https://news.google.com/rss/articles/CBMimAFBVV95cUxQYzJoYW1PR0RDTmNhN0JDNkJuMFBObDUxWHM3RjNTZGVmb0x6d2FsN0hnUDRxZXRQN25qR3FCY2dZQ3NlY1VYUWh2aXdPU0prd1lSOEVBdmNyaUI5WUhPQ2phN1BaaFVYM08zUXcxSnkzS3dmdzZuaWVCanhvWDJ3SlZuVmFlMEJvWGpXQks1T0l1UzdlNzc3bA?oc=5