MUMBAI: In a country where nearly 60,000 children tragically lose their lives in road accidents every year, child car safety is a conversation that cannot wait. To raise awareness around this critical issue, Cars24 is launching the ‘Take A BackSeat’ campaign aiming to educate and empower parents across India to prioritise child safety on the road. This Children’s Day, Cars24 invites families to ‘Take A BackSeat’ and make a small change with what it says is an enormous impact.
According to the reports, despite the proven benefits of child car seats, a staggering 75% of parents in India remain unaware of their importance, and 56% are unwilling to invest in one. Contrary to popular belief, holding a child on one’s lap is not the safest option, evidence suggests that the risk of fatal injury is reduced by 71% when children are properly secured in a child’s car seat.
Through this campaign, Cars24 aims to spark a national dialogue, helping parents understand that a simple action can make a life-saving difference.
Named ‘Take A BackSeat,’ this campaign is a call to action for parents to ensure that their child’s safety takes a front seat by pledging to secure their child in a car seat.
As part of the ‘Take A BackSeat’ digital campaign, the company is emphasising a crucial message: the cost of a child car seat is insignificant compared to the value of a child’s life. It is looking to address the common misconception that car seats are only necessary for long trips, reminding parents that safety is essential for every journey, no matter the distance. For those who invest in modifications like fancy alloys or premium sound systems, the company urges them to consider that a car seat is a much more meaningful investment in their child’s well-being.
It is also guiding parents on how to install child car seats correctly. Through the campaign, it said that it is committed to providing practical knowledge that empowers families to make safer choices for their little ones.
“Child safety has always been a priority for us, but sadly, this isn’t always a priority across the country. With ‘Take A BackSeat,’ we aim to address a gap in understanding and behaviour when it comes to car safety for children. As a society, we often view our laps as the safest place for a child. But in reality, a car seat in the back is the safest spot. This Children’s Day, we hope to shift perceptions and help parents pledge to prioritize their children’s well-being on every journey.” commented Gajendra Jangid, co-founder and CMO Cars24,
On the Cars24 app, parents are encouraged to take a ‘Pledge’ to commit to safer travel for their little ones, generating a personalized certificate that celebrates their dedication to child safety. By taking this pledge, participants not only affirm their commitment to secure journeys but also stand a chance to receive a child car seat, supported by Cars24’s partner R for Rabbit—a brand deeply committed to the safety and well-being of children.
R for Rabbit and Cars24 said that they share a mission to make child safety accessible and a priority for families across India. R for Rabbit’s commitment to designing products that protect children aligns seamlessly with their joint efforts to bring this critical conversation into the spotlight. The aim is to ensure that child safety is top of mind on every trip.
20,000 people have already pledged on the CARS24 app to make every ride safer for their little ones. What about you? This Children’s Day, join the movement to #TakeABackSeat and pledge to protect your child every mile of the way.
Expert Insights on the Importance of Child Car Seats: Dr Gopal Agarwal, Clinical Director, Department of Neonatology and Pediatrics, Cloudnine Group of Hospitals, Gurgaon commented, “Despite increased awareness, many parents still hesitate to invest in car seats, often underestimating the risks of short trips or relying on outdated practices like holding a child on their lap. Rear-facing seats reduce injury risk for newborns and infants by supporting their fragile necks and spines. For toddlers, forward-facing seats with harnesses provide vital protection by distributing force across stronger areas during collisions. Using car seats on every trip, no matter the distance, is essential for young children’s safety on the road.”
An Ongoing Effort for Lasting Impact: Cars24 added that it firmly believes that child car safety is an issue that warrants ongoing attention. Through strategic partnerships and continued awareness campaigns, the company hopes to create a cultural shift where child safety is embedded in every family’s travel practices.