A doctor advocate has reminded parents about the importance of child car seats when on the go, saying that the use of child restraint systems (CRS) provides an equivalent level of safety to children as that afforded to adult passengers wearing seatbelts.
In the latest episode of Buckle Up, Radyoman Rod Marcelino was joined by Dr. Ramon Severino, pediatrician, representative of the Philippine Pediatrics Society (PPS) on child safety issues, and member of the Philippine Medical Association’s advocacy committee.
Severino, along with other PPS members, was also part of the technical working group that developed the final implementing rules and regulations of the Republic Act (RA) No. 11229 or the Child Safety in Motor Vehicles Act.
Severino said that the need for CRS inside vehicles is based on a plethora of global studies confirmed by the World Health Organization (WHO), and is backed up by their own experiences as physicians.
He reminded listeners that a parent’s embrace nor regular seat belts is not enough to protect a child in the event of a car crash. Children are categorized as the most vulnerable population, Severino said, and therefore need a device capable of diminishing the risk of injury during road accidents.
When used appropriately, a CRS is expected to distribute the crash forces over as wide an area as possible and should result to minimum damage to the soft tissues. At the hospital where Severino works, he says: “Ang mga nakikita po naming involved sa accidents ay minor injury lang po kapag naka-child car seat.”
When asked for advice for parents and motorists, Severino stated that the new legislation is to protect infants and children, above all else. “Ang katumbas po nito ay buhay nila, ang kanilang kalusugan, kapakanan, ang ating future.”
“Hindi ito exaggeration o isang salita lang. Ang sinasabi po natin ay ang isang bansa po ay lumalakas dahil sa ating mga kabataan. Ang greatest treasure po natin ay hindi (materyal na) yaman kundi ang ating mga kabataan, mga tao, mga Pilipino. Paano po natin mapo-protektahan ang ating mga kabataan lalo na po kung sumasakay sa mga sasakyan? Ito po ang aming io-offer.”
“Ang buhay po ay walang presyo, ang buhay po ay walang katapat. Mape-prevent po natin ang kamatayan o sakuna sa pamamagitan po nitong batas na ating i-implement. Ingat pa rin po, ingat pa rin po sa kalsada. Kasama po itong child restraint systems sa pag-iingat,” Severino added.
For the full episode, hop on to RMN DXXL 558 Manila’s Facebook page. To learn more about the Child Safety in Motor Vehicles Act, Buckle Up airs every Tuesdays and Thursdays at 3:30 PM and Saturdays at 8:00 AM.
