If you’re taking to South Australian roads this weekend, don’t forget to buckle up! Police will be targeting seatbelt non-compliance during Operation Belt Up, wrapping up at 11.59pm Sunday, according to SA Police.
The statewide Operation will focus on seatbelt usage in all metropolitan districts and regional Local Service Areas, with a view to educating drivers, and reducing the severity of collisions on our road network.
In 2017 alone, eighteen vehicle occupants killed in crashes were not wearing a seatbelt.
Acting Superintendent Cindy Healey of Traffic Support Branch, says failure to wear a seatbelt is among the leading causes of death and serious injuries in motor vehicle collisions.
"In the event of a crash, drivers and passengers not wearing seatbelts are 10 times more likely to be killed.
"Tragically, this year alone we’ve seen six fatalities in which a seatbelt was not being worn.
"Given everything we’ve learned about the role of seatbelts in reducing road trauma, it beggars belief that we’re still having to remind drivers of this basic precaution - and their legal obligation.
Operation Belt Up was last conducted in March, resulting in a total of 263 detections across the state.
"We’d also like to remind parents and caregivers to ensure that their child is correctly restrained.
"Children who graduate prematurely to a seatbelt alone, or are moved into a larger carseat before they’re ready, are much more susceptible to serious injury or even death in the case of a crash.
"Don’t take that kind of risk with your most precious cargo. Ensure that your child is properly secured in an approved child restraint that’s the right size."
Any motorist detected without a seatbelt can expect to incur a fine of $347, plus a $60 Victims of Crime levy, in addition to three demerit points.
