Seatbelts & Restraints
On average 31 people are killed and 166 seriously injured on Queensland roads each year as a result of not wearing a seatbelt or an appropriate restraint1
The Facts
- Drivers and passengers are around 8 times more likely to be killed in a road crash if they are not wearing a seatbelt2.
- People aged between 25-39 years, particularly men, are the most frequently unrestrained vehicle occupants killed in road accidents in Queensland1.
- Alcohol is linked to the lack of seatbelt use3.
- The driver of a vehicle is responsible for the proper restraint of all passengers4.
- Children aged up to 7 years must use a child restraint suitable for their age5.
- 8% of Queenslanders still drive on our public roads without wearing a seat belt6.
What does a seatbelt actually do?
- cause the occupant to decelerate at the same rate as the vehicle in a crash, maximising the distance over which the occupant comes to a stop.
- spread the force of the impact over the stronger parts of the occupant’s body (pelvis and chest area).
- prevent the occupant colliding with the interior parts of the vehicle.
- reduce the risk of being thrown from the vehicle.
- reduce the risk of being thrown through the windscreen7.
Did you know…
The penalty in Queensland for not wearing a seatbelt is $365 and three demerit points. Double demerit points will apply for second or subsequent offences within 1 year of an earlier offence.
Be smart, use a Seatbelt
- Wear your seatbelt every time you drive, even if you’re only travelling a few kilometres.
- Make sure everyone in your car is safely restrained before moving your vehicle.
- Make sure your seatbelts and child restraints are correctly fitted.
- Regularly check your seatbelts to make sure they’re safe and working well.
1 Department of Transport and Main Roads Qld, Unpublished data extracted 27 June 2018 using road casualty statistics 2013-2017.
2 Department of Transport and Main Roads (2015). Figures are based on the crashes validated in the Queensland Road Crash Information System from 1 January 2007 –to 31 December 2011. Report reference number: rqC19729. Data extracted 23/02/15.
3 Ball, C.G., Kirkpatrick, A.W., & Brennaman, F. D. (2005). Noncompliance with seat-belt use in patients involved in motor vehicle collisions. Canadian Journal of Surgery 48(5) Pp. 367-372.
4 Transport Operations (Road Use Management—Road Rules) Regulation 2009 Sections 264(1), 265(3) & 266(1). www.legislation.qld.gov.au/LEGISLTN/CURRENT/T/TrantOpRURR09.pdf. Accessed 06/02/15.
5 Transport Operations (Road Use Management—Road Rules) Regulation 2009 Section 266(2, 2A, 2B). www.legislation.qld.gov.au/LEGISLTN/CURRENT/T/TrantOpRURR09.pdf. Accessed 06/02/15.
6 Department of Transport and Main Roads, Driver Behavior & Attitudes Study. Footprints Market Research March 2018.
7 Australian Academy of Science (2009). Nova Science in the News: Death-defying designs for car safety. http://www.nova.org.au/technology-future/death-defying-designs-car-safety. Accessed 06/02/15.