To call social services?

[Latetotheparty26]

DD's friend from nursery (19 months old), got picked up by both parents yesterday I saw mum get in the back of the car and she placed their child on the floor between her legs and dad drove off. No car seat, nothing. I was gobsmacked that ppl could do that, with no regard for her safety!
I told the Nursery manager this morning who called social services and the police. Both services told her that because she didn't witness the incident, they couldn't do anything about it! So - should I call them? Or should I confront them myself when I see them next?

You did the right thing OP, I came on to say report it and see that you have.

I would have to if I saw something as I couldn't live with myself if something happened and I'd done nothing.

Sadly I've been told by police that unless the parents are caught driving with the child like this, they can do nothing. In similar circumstances at the school where I work, teachers have called the police, with reg number and told them 'these people are driving off from school now' but police don't respond as they don't have the resources. With a child in the footwell it's also impossible to see they are down there.

I called 101 when I saw a bloke with a small child (probably 2) stood up on the front seat of his car, he was smoking and had a mobile phone to his ear at the same time......if I hadn't had my dd with me I think I would have been tempted to go and take the girl out and call 999

I don't live in the UK, so forgive me for this question, what happens when people take their small children in a taxi? Do UK taxis come equipped with childseats?

I don't live in the UK, so forgive me for this question, what happens when people take their small children in a taxi? Do UK taxis come equipped with childseats?

UK black cabs have separate passenger compartments and are permitted not to use car seats. Ordinary taxis should do, but frequently ignore the law.

Atenco
You would have to provide a suitable seat for your child if using a taxi. It's only busses where you don't have to use a child seat but you could if you wanted to

I agree that the UK government has excessive powers in areas such as surveillance, though why this should mean a private individual should not do the right thing is beyond me.

If we were all a bit more willing to push back against inappropriate behaviour then there would be less argument for 'we need these powers to combat broken Britain' etc.

Hopefully this was just a one off for some odd reason, but well done for reporting it OP.

here is the law on when a child can travel without a seat or seat belt

www.gov.uk/child-car-seats-the-rules/when-a-child-can-travel-without-a-car-seat

Glad you reported and it's being taken seriously.

My brother and several friends are police officers. One part of the job they hate most is attending car accidents especially ones involving children and ESPECIALLY when the children weren't in proper car seats etc.

I would and have reported to police and they do in my experience try and deal with the situation (resources permitting).

My brother and his friends and a friends husband who's a paramedic think all taxis should be required to carry a wide use car seat but as taxi drivers are barely regulated as it is (honestly you'd be shocked) it's really hard to implement.

To those saying 'it's none of my business' honestly? I think that's a disgusting attitude - it's attitudes like that which lead to outright abuse being ignored and perpetuated for decades!

Note that gov.uk link talks about children in seats. Beyond stupid to put child in footwell.

Types of child abuse, physical, sexual, emotional, neglect.

Not using a car seat is neglect.

Americans seem to have collectively gone off their heads.

Personally I find the American approach to car safety quite bizarre.

Seatbelts even for adults are viewed as overly cautious, drink driving and using a phone while driving is still very much socially acceptable, drivers can be as young as 14 in some states.

I don't live there but have friends and family that do (3 different states) plus what I see on American tv shows (fact and fiction).

I worked at a children's centre and had a mum report suspicions that another mum was putting her very small baby in the car without a car seat (in a carrycot thing, no straps). I followed her out the next time and spoke to her about it, explained the law and safety concerns - yes it was a 2 mile drive but still not okay - told her I couldn't let her drive home like that. Luckily we had spare seats so I leant her one for the trip home. She didn't understand the law and hadn't really thought about it being that dangerous. There were no other concerns with the family so SS weren't needed and I think my helpful and non judgemental attitude was more useful than calling the police.

Well done OP I think you did the right thing and I say that as someone who did once travel with a toddler without a carseat (ex had taken carseat away and I needed to get her to the hospital - ambulance had been and left without her). If someone had called SS about me seeing that I would have been happy to explain the circumstances, and happy that someone cared enough to report.

Have you thought of making a citizen's arrest OP?

Have they been reading Dr Spocks books published in the 70s?

A large percentage of Americans voted for Donald Trump as president. A large percentage of Americans seem to lack the ability to assess risk. These two facts may be linked.

Thanks donquixotedelamancha and Northend

YNBU. The school don't seem to give a shit. Thank goodness somebody does. I have grave concerns about the fact that they refuse to report it because they didn't witness it. Well unless they're Jesus Christ and can be In various locations ie cars homes ect, then. They don't witness anything, but. It doesn't mean it doesn't go on. Also what about a child who discloses abuse. What would the teacher say. I'm sorry, but as we didn't see you getting abused there's nothing we can do. You'll just have to grin and bear it.