With this in mind the BPA has heightened its efforts to educate the public of the dangers associated with buying and selling, especially from internet auction sites. Our awareness campaign has already had considerable success in the consumer press and Friday the 13th of February was spent doing several radio interviews on the subject. Hopefully despite the date, this will result in some good luck being bestowed on a family that was deterred from making the mistake of buying a used car seat!

One of the interviewers likened the issue to that of buying a used motor cycle helmet, and I do agree. There is however the thought that the baby placed in danger is not making the decision for his or herself - unlike the foolhardy motorcyclist that takes the risk of wearing second hand head gear.

The BPA's Think Before You Sell leaflets have been created to warn sellers that they may unwittingly be putting the lives of children in danger. It is generally well known in the trade that not all new child seats fit all cars and a large percentage of new car seats are fitted incorrectly in vehicles. These factors are easily resolved when parents visit trained retailers who will advise of the correct car seat for their vehicle often providing a ‘try before you buy facility' and ensuring parents are trained to fit the car seat correctly. Now imagine buying a seat online without instructions or knowledge as to whether it is appropriate for your vehicle. Then add to this the chance that it may have been abused or involved in an accident and the chances of purchasing a child restraint that will function correctly in an accident are greatly diminished.

These leaflets will be widely distributed alongside our buyers' campaign through nurseries, pre-schools, maternity units, doctor's surgeries, health visitors and council offices. We are also urging nursery retailers to join the cause and distribute them at point of sale.

Of course, there are always the cynics who will say that we are just championing the cause for the industry's financial benefit. So our work with ROSPA and CAPT has helped to negate this charge. This time around we have also had support from Bob Russell MP, Chair of the All Party Group on Road Safety. He has certainly added weight to our campaign and helped drum up media interest. Bob has just become a proud granddad to Jess, so I'm sure the issue has become even more poignant to him. We would like to thank him for his support.

Most of all- we urge retailers and suppliers that are asked about the issue, to point out that there has previously been serious injury and even death to infants that can be directly attributed to buying worn or damaged goods. There is no room for doubt when it comes to safety equipment.

If you want a supply of these leaflets and posters please contact the BPA on 0845 456 9570 or email info@b-p-a.org.

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