Article by:
Ady
Infant and Child Car Seat Laws in Korea
One related data about the ownership of cars is the rate of accidents that occur in South Korea. Fortunately, deaths due to car accidents in the country are slowly declining due to stricter implementation of rules and regulations by the authorities. A regulation that has helped decrease road deaths in the country, especially for babies and children, is the infant and child seat law.
Since regular seat belts are made to only fit adults, the authorities are now requiring children under six years old to be secured in an infant or child car seat. Anyone who will be violating the said law will be imposed with a fine of 60,000 KRW under the improper children and the handicapped protection traffic violation. The law, however, does not specifically indicate the required type of car seat for the mentioned age group.
Image Source: babywise
Seat Belt Law for Infant and Children
Under the Road Traffic Act, Chapter 5 Obligations of the Driver, Article 50 - Matters to Be Observed by Specific Drivers:
-
The driver of any motor vehicle (excluding any two-wheeled vehicle) shall fasten the seat belt thereof while driving the motor vehicle and require any passenger seated beside the driver to fasten that passenger's seat belt (in cases of an infant, this refers to the seat belt after an infant safety harness is mounted): Provided, That the same shall not apply to cases where it is difficult to fasten the seat belt due to any illness, etc. that is prescribed by the Ordinance of the Ministry of Government Administration and Home Affairs.
-
The driver of any motor vehicle (excluding any two-wheeled vehicle) shall remind passengers, other than the passenger sitting beside the driver to fasten their seat belts. In the case of any passenger car, if any infant gets into the passenger car to take a seat, other than the seat beside the driver, the driver shall fasten the infant's seat belt.
Tips in Installing Infant and Child Car Seats
Since the authorities now require the use of car seats, one must choose the correct type and install them properly. Typically, car seats have three types: rear-facing car seats, front-facing car seats, and booster seats. Rear-facing car seats are intended for babies under 20 pounds and can be used until at least 2 years old. For children under 40 pounds and under 4 years old, a front-facing car seat is recommended. Booster seats, alternatively, are for children under 80 pounds and under 8 years old.
Before installing car seats, one must know first if their vehicle can support them. Car seats that are properly installed will usually not move more than an inch on both sides. As for the harness straps, their harness clip must be snugged and fastened at the armpit level of the baby or children. They must also be at or below the shoulder level for added safety.
Ultimately, babies and children that will be sitting on car seats must not wear heavy coats under the harness straps. Use a blanket instead if they need extra warmth.
Image Source: maxi-cosi
Top Infant and Child Car Seat Brands in South Korea
A known car seat brand in the country is Daiichi. For almost two decades, the company has been producing and selling car seats through the help of technologies intended to keep the children safe and protected. Their car seats are equipped with interior materials that can protect babies and children from unexpected shocks that may occur. They also maximize organic fabrics to avoid occurrences of skin irritations and car racing buckles for enhanced security and safety.
The First7 Plus is Daichi’s flagship car seat that can be used for children ages 0 to 7 years old. Some other car seat products from the company include First Seven TouchPix, One-Fix 360, V-Guard Toddler, and V-Guard Junior.
To find these products, check online shopping malls or apps where you can buy and sell used goods.