Fifty per cent more families will drive to UK holiday destinations this summer, but two thirds of car seats won't be securely fitted.

As parents, the safety of our children is crucial but sadly recent research showed that over 20 children under 11 are killed and over 600 seriously injured a year while travelling in cars. This is all the more important as new research shows that the economic downturn means that 50% more people will holiday in the UK this summer[1]. With two thirds of child seats in the UK not fitted securely, the summer holiday could be an accident waiting to happen. In last month's Child Safety Week, the AA and Mothercare joined forces to urge parents to get their child car seats checked and to ensure that their children are properly belted up.

Sir Alex Ferguson, CBE, even lent his support to the campaign following his grandson's recent experience in a road accident; 10year old Charlie had to undergo surgery back in May, when he was injured due to not being properly protected during a car collision.

The latest research from the AA's Road Safety team suggests that August is the worst month for death and serious injuries to children in vehicles, which is why, as part of the AA and Mothercare campaign, together with Britax, a leading car seat manufacturer, they ran a nationwide roadshow during Child Safety Week, offering parents expert advice and hands on guidance on how to choose and fit the right car seat.

Sir Alex Ferguson said, "I urge all parents and children to pay attention to using and fixing their seat belts properly, over the shoulder as it should be. This can save your life."

Edmund King, AA President said: "Sir Alex is absolutely right that it is imperative for all children to be properly belted up in the back. The AA Populus poll of 16,500 respondents showed that 83% are not aware of legislation requiring children to use the appropriate restraint or child seat. Modern seat belts are not uncomfortable so parents or drivers need to ensure that children are appropriately belted up. It can be a matter of life or death."

Mark Bennett from Britax says "With so many families hitting the UK roads for their summer holidays this year, the correct fitting of children's car seats is of paramount importance. We find it extremely alarming how many people are unaware that their car seats are fitted incorrectly, and were delighted to be work with Mothercare and the AA to help parents, and educate them on the solutions available before they embark on their road trips this summer."

Earlier in the year Britax and AA launched their own ISOFIX child seats. The ISOFIX system eliminate misfitting problems, which are common with the use of adult belts, and improve the dynamic performance of child restraints, as the seat is rigidly attached to the car structure. The vast majority of new car models since 2006 (and several previous models) have ISOFIX installed as standard.

For further information on child car seat safety visit www.theaa.com/britax-mothercare

AA President, Edmund King fits Britax ISOFIX car seat