Cars and Other Toy Vehicles
Recommended age group: 2 years and older.
Vehicle toys attract children of all ages. But some kits that require
assembly and detailed models with small parts are unsuitable for young
children.
This information relates to toy cars, trucks, tractors, cranes, graders
and other vehicles including motorized and push/pull toys.
Construction
Choose a strong and durable toy, preferably with large parts. Fix firmly
the small parts like internal fittings or moldings including windows,
dashboard and steering wheels so that they cannot be removed by a child.
Edges of toy parts should be smooth.
Wooden vehicles should have smooth surfaces and free of splinters.
Secure firmly the separate pieces if the vehicle is not made from a
single piece of wood. Using glue is preferable than using nails or
screws which could cut or scratch should the toy break apart.
Plastic vehicles molded in one piece are preferable. The plastic should
be strong enough to withstand rough treatment yet flexible so as not to
form sharp edges.
Metal vehicles must be perfectly smooth. Individual parts should be
firmly attached by secure rivets or welding.
Wheels and tyres
They should be attached firmly. If they can be removed they should not
expose sharp axle rods, rough metal or splintered wheel rims.
Self propelled vehicles
Include models with inertia motors, wound by pushing the vehicle
backwards along the floor. The motor should be fully enclosed with no
gaps where fingers can get caught.
Hand –wound motors like those on the lifting and lowering mechanisms of
cranes should be enclosed properly to avoid trapping the fingers or
catch clothing.
Dump Trucks
Vehicles with tilting trays should be constructed so that fingers can't
be caught in a tray when it closes. Tailgates or other panels that open
and close should have blunt edges to stop fingers being caught during
use.
Self –retracting strings
Ensure that the string does not retract too quickly and leaves 50mm
length outside the toy to avoid child's fingers being caught.
Towing strings
Having cord or string greater than 300mm, the toy should not have any
attachments or knots that can form a loop that creates a choking hazard.
Make the string or cord be at least 1.5mm thick on a pull-along toy for
children under three years old to avoid cutting
hazard.
Sharp fronts
Never allow sharp points or edges on the front of the vehicle that could
injure a person hit by the vehicle.
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