NOW the summer holidays are in full swing and families are beginning to enjoy some much-needed time off, a warning has gone out to parents to make sure their children are safe in cars and on the roads.

Whether families are on holiday or children are using the local streets, they are particularly vulnerable to accidents during this time.

An average of seven pedestrians under the age of 16 were killed or seriously injured each day during the summer months in 2002.

A few simple steps can ensure children are kept out of harm's way.

In 2002, 35 children aged up to 11 were killed and 480 injured in cars, but a correctly fitted car seat could have protected them. In a crash, even at low speeds, properly installed safety seats provide the best protection against injury. A seat that meets current safety standards will carry an 'E' mark and an '03' number.

Evesham beat manager PC Tom Iddon said: "Child safety seats are of utmost importance and a legal requirement. Evesham officers recently visited a local nursery to check the seats and 50 per cent of them were incorrectly fitted. Parents must ensure they have the right seat for the height and weight of their child and the vehicle they have."

Peter Fitch, spokesman for the Department of Transport, said: "Children need to use a child seat or booster seat or cushion until they are 11 or about 5ft tall. Until then the adult belt will not provide as much protection as a proper child restraint.

"Use a properly fitted, purpose-made child seat that meets current safety standards and is right for your child's weight and height. Try before you buy and get a trained shop assistant to demonstrate how to fit the seat.

"Always take the time to make sure the child seat harness is properly fitted every time you use it, even for the shortest of trips. Many accidents happen within just a miles of home so don't be tempted to cut corners and remember to set a good example by fastening your own seatbelt."

Parents are also warned against putting a rear-facing child seat in the front seat of a car protected by an active frontal airbag.

Also children under three should only sit in the front if they are strapped in to an appropriate child seat.

PC Iddon added: "Although it is old hat people should also remember the Green Cross Code and try and cross the road at proper crossings. It is the parents' responsibility to make sure their children know this - it is one thing having them in the car but when they go out on their own they need to be prepared."

Other basic safety tips include ensuring any children get out the car on the pavement side, rather than next to the road.

Drivers can also protect themselves by never driving when they are tired.

Regular 15-minute breaks should be taken every two hours and drivers should avoid travelling between midnight and 6am when their body clock will be in a natural trough.