She was speaking after new research, published by the Automobile Association, that found two-thirds of child seats are wrongly fitted by carers, leading to thousands of injuries and deaths in road accidents.

“This information backs our own findings from the local campaigns we held last year,” she said.

Tayside Police held a series of child car seat clinics in June, which found four in every five young car passengers were exposed to “unnecessary risk” because their seats were not fitted correctly

In total, 268 child car seats were checked by road safety officers at the clinics, and only 21% were correctly fitted.

Of the seats checked, 64% required some adjustment and 15% were either incompatible with the vehicle they were in or were damaged to such a degree they could not be safely used.

“It may seem obvious to ensure your child is suitably restrained, but we still encounter people driving with their children unrestrained or even worse sitting on an adult’s lap,” said Marian Scott.

“Should a vehicle travelling at 30mph be struck or come to a sudden stop, a child will be projected forward with the force of a small elephant. It would be like trying to hold on to eight bags of cement at the same time.

“Older children and adults in the vehicle will propel forward with much greater force. Seatbelts can and do save lives every day. Please ensure anyone travelling in your car wears theirs.”

More car seat checking “clinics” have been organised for March and June.

Police also highlight child car seat safety by giving presentations at ante-natal and parentcraft classes at hospitals and health centres across Tayside.

“It is, we feel, vital new parents are aware that having the correct seat for their car can assist them in the safe carriage of their new baby,” she added.

“People may not be aware that not every car seat will safely fit every car and may buy a seat that is totally unsuitable for their car. Think of the tragic consequences that could arise if you don’t check your child’s seat.

“Please take a few moments before your journey and before putting your child in their car seat to check that it is fitted safely on that day.

“Sometimes the seat may have loosened or moved during a previous trip or when your child was being taken out of the seat. Adults should always ensure children stay safely restrained during an entire journey.”

New research from The AA Motoring Trust has revealed how basic mistakes by adults when fitting child seats can kill and injure children, even in low speed crashes.

Tests carried out at just 19mph with seats fitted incorrectly produced results which would have seriously injured any child sitting in them.

Anyone concerned about their child’s car seat and who would like advice or to have the seat checked should contact Marian Scott on 01382 596431, or contact your local road safety officer at police HQ.