South Australia Police caught almost one person an hour failing to belt-up during a three-day blitz this week.
Operation Belt Up, which targeted drivers and their passengers who failed to wear a seatbelt properly adjusted and fastened, began on Monday (9 September) and ended at midnight last night.
Despite warning the public of the targeted campaign, 122 motorists across metropolitan and regional areas were detected not wearing their seatbelt.
More than 60 detections were recorded earlier this year in July when the Operation was conducted over a Friday, Saturday and Sunday.
Superintendent Robert Gray, the officer in charge of the Traffic Support Branch, said the operation results are concerning.
“We know that failure to wear a seatbelt is one of the leading causes of death and serious injury in motor vehicle collisions,” he said.
“Passengers are ten times more likely to be killed in a crash if they’re not wearing a seatbelt, and yet people are still failing to belt up.
“The road toll is currently at 80, and we need the help of the community if we’re going to change this.
“Not wearing a seatbelt as a driver or a passenger puts your life at risk; it’s a simple as that.”
Motorists are reminded that although the specific operational blitz has finished, all police continue to monitor drivers in relation to the fatal five factors directly linked to fatalities and serious injury crashes: speed, distraction, seatbelt use, dangerous drivers and drink and drug driving.
Seatbelt offences:
Driver fail to wear seatbelt properly adjusted and fastened:
Expiation $381; Victims of Crime Levy $60 – Total $441 plus three demerit points.
Passenger 16 years or older:
– Fail to wear seat belt
– Occupy same position as another passenger
– Occupy position not fitted with seatbelt
Expiation $381; Victims of Crime Levy $60 – Total $441 plus three demerit points.
Driver fail to ensure passengers 16 years or older are wearing seatbelt and seated in accordance with rule (see above)
One such passenger:
Expiation $381; Victims of Crime Levy $60 – Total $441 plus three demerit points.
More than one such passenger:
Expiation $449; Victims of Crime Levy $60 – Total $509 plus five demerit points.
Driver fail to ensure passengers under 16 years are wearing seatbelt or approved child restraint and are seated in accordance with rule
One such passenger:
Expiation $381; Victims of Crime Levy $60 – Total $441 plus three demerit points.
More than one such passenger:
Expiation $449; Victims of Crime Levy $60 – Total $509 plus five demerit points.
