Although research indicates that 95% of Tasmanian drivers and passengers wear a seat belt, between 2004 and 2008 inclusive, 54 people killed on our roads were not wearing a seat belt. Restraint use is still a serious issue when it comes to vehicle occupants killed in crashes. 

The Road Safety Task Force undertakes annual research to monitor seat belt compliance in Tasmania. In 2008, 13,604 drivers were observed at 12 locations around the State. Although the overall compliance rate was 95%, the compliance rate amongst truck drivers was 75%.

Most people automatically use seat belts, yet nearly one in every three killed in road crashes are not wearing a seat belt at the time of the crash. 

Seatbelts work by:

• decreasing the time it takes you to come to a stop on impact
• spreading the impact force over a greater area of the body
• minimising contact with the interior of the vehicle and with other occupants
• preventing ejection from the vehicle.

Most injuries to drivers and passengers are caused by contact with the steering wheel, dashboard, windscreen and the sides and roof of the vehicle. Lap and shoulder belts prevent severe injury in the majority of crashes. Cars with advanced seat belt features that provide even greater protection are becoming more readily available.

It is important to check the condition of your seat belts regularly.  Make sure that:

• belts are not twisted, frayed or cut
• buckles engage and release properly
• retractors work well - the seatbelt should pull out smoothly and be fully retracted when not in use
  
• the belt fits the body without any slack.

Child restraints

Correctly fitted and properly adjusted child restraints provide protection for children from birth to twelve years of age.

Children must be fitted in a restraint suited to their size and weight and approved by Standards Australia. It is also important to ensure the restraint is correctly fitted to the car.  Always wait until your child has outgrown their current restraint before changing to the next size and remember that the safest seating position for children is the rear seat of the car.

Driving without a seat belt has been illegal since 1971.  Drivers and passengers over 16 years of age caught not wearing a seat belt each receive a $110 on the spot fine and drivers are also fined three demerit points. Additionally, if a passenger under 16 years of age is not wearing a seat belt the driver is fined for this offence.

Wearing a seat belt is important in preventing death and injuries and consequently penalties are tough for those who break the law.