WHO lauds passage of child restraint law

MANILA, Philippines — The World Health Organization on Wednesday welcomed the passage of a law that would require vehicle owners to use car seats when transporting children, saying it would save many lives if properly implemented and enforced.

President Rodrigo Duterte last month signed Republic Act 11229 or the Child Safety in Motor Vehicles Act. A copy of the law was released Tuesday.

“The Child Safety in Motor Vehicles Act is a landmark legislation that requires mandatory use of child restraints when transporting children. The new law also restricts children from sitting in the front seat of motor vehicles,” WHO said.

According to the UN health agency, more than 600 children die from road crashes in the Philippines each year.

It also noted that child restraints reduce the likelihood of a fatal crash by approximately 70 percent among infants and between 54 to 80 percent among young children.

“This legislation is a significant step toward prioritizing the safety and welfare of infants and children on Philippine roads, and preventing traffic-related deaths and injuries,” WHO said.

The Department of Health also hailed the passage of the law.

“It’s been long proven that child safety seats or restrains help. First world countries have been way, way ahead of enforcing that particular law so it will help. Certainly, it will lessen injuries once they are featured in vehicular accidents,” DOH Secretary Francisco Duque III said. — Gaea Katreena Cabico