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Belt up or else

Posted on November 4, 2009, 12:12pm

Despite proof that a seatbelt will double a person’s chance of surviving a crash and continuous shock-factor education campaigns, South Australian motorists continue to risk their lives by not belting up.

That’s why drivers and passengers across the South East can expect tougher policing on seatbelt laws this month, as the authorities clamp down on people who fail to wear correctly fitted seatbelts during a statewide “Belt Up” operation.

According to police Acting Superintendent Trevor Milne, statistics from serious injury and fatal collisions had revealed the most likely victims were rear seat passengers, young children, intoxicated drivers, young male drivers in rural areas and heavy vehicle drivers.

Act Supt Milne said protecting life was a core police function — including saving people from themselves.

“Operation Belt Up provides us with the opportunity to directly influence the travelling habits of drivers and passengers to bring about a long term change in attitudes regarding the wearing of seatbelts,” he said.

“Limestone Coast highway patrols have attended numerous crashes where people have sustained serious injury, been killed or ejected from motor vehicles, which could have been avoided if a seatbelt was worn.”

All drivers and passengers who flout the law will be fined.

Although police have stressed all persons in a vehicle are responsible for ensuring belts are worn, the ultimate duty is with the driver.

Fines range from $270 for passengers 16 years and over to $332 for a driver whose passenger is not wearing a seatbelt.

Police have advised people wearing a seatbelt incorrectly, such as putting the sash under the armpit instead of across the shoulder, will also be penalised.

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