Seatbelts save lives
A quarter of vehicle occupants who lost their lives in South Australian crashes between 2013 and 2022 weren’t wearing their seatbelt.
This is a staggering figure considering seatbelts became compulsory in South Australia more than 40 years ago, and the potentially fatal consequences of not wearing one have been well documented.
Since seatbelts were made compulsory in 1971, there have been dozens of campaigns reminding people about buckling up. In early 2024, SA Police launched a series of confronting ads depicting the tragic consequences of not wearing your seatbelt.
Despite all this information, drivers and passengers continue to not wear seatbelts.
Why aren’t people wearing seatbelts?
The Centre for Automotive Safety Research (CASR) found that people weren’t wearing seatbelts due to travelling a short distance, lack of comfort, a perception that crashing was low risk, and concerns seatbelts themselves were dangerous.
RAA Senior Manager of Safety and Infrastructure Charles Mountain says it doesn’t matter how short the trip, drivers and their passengers need to wear their seatbelt.
“Whether you’re going for a quick drive from a beach shack to the local shops or a cross-country road trip this summer, wearing a seatbelt is a must,” Charles says.
“Wearing a seatbelt doubles the chance of someone surviving a serious crash and reduces the likelihood of a person getting seriously injured. Wearing a seatbelt is a simple task that can save your life.”
Seatbelt tips
- Always wear a seatbelt, no matter the length of the trip or if you’re off-road on private property.
- If you’re driving, make sure your passengers are all wearing their seatbelts.
- Always make sure children are strapped into the correct car restraint for their size and age.
- When buckling up, ensure your seatbelt isn’t twisted and the belt is over your shoulder and running across your hips and chest.
- Make sure the seatbelt is taut.
- Make sure children under seven are restrained in a child restraint or booster seat.
The consequences
Failing to wear your seatbelt might be the difference between life and death, but it can also have financial consequences. If a driver fails to wear their seatbelt, they could be fined $435, plus the $102 Victims of Crime Levy, and receive three demerit points.
The driver can also be fined the same amount if a passenger in their car is caught not wearing a seatbelt. If there’s more than one passenger not wearing the correct seatbelt or restraint, the driver may receive a $514 fine plus the Victims of Crime Levy and five demerit points.
A passenger older than 16 who isn’t wearing a seatbelt, can receive the same $435 fine and $102 Victims of Crime Levy as the driver.