The Road Safety Commission has launched a new campaign highlighting the safety of every one in a motor vehicle wearing passenger seatbelts.
Featuring scenarios involving a cricket player, firefighter and a tradesperson to encourage the viewer to question their reluctance to wear a seatbelt, the Always wear your safety gear. Belt up campaign is going to appear in regional media, television, radio, social media and roadside billboards.
Announcing the plan, the Commission said the campaign was sparked by the emerging concern that young regional males are choosing not to wear a seatbelt.
“The campaign uses comparisons to highlight the significant risk of not wearing a seatbelt,” the Commission said.
“The scenarios involving a cricket player, firefighter and a tradesperson aim to encourage the viewer to question their reluctance to wear a seatbelt which is just as, if not more, risky than the scenarios presented.”
The Commission said drivers must ensure that passengers travelling in their vehicle were appropriately restrained.
It said 408 people were killed or seriously injured in road crashes between 2016 and 2020 and they weren’t wearing seatbelts.
“Wearing a seatbelt is one of easiest ways to protect drivers and passengers in a vehicle,” the Commission said.
“Always ensure your seatbelt is properly adjusted and securely fastened,” it said.
“The sash should be placed over the middle of the shoulder and diagonally across the chest.
“The lap belt should sit snugly over the hips.
“Never share a seatbelt with a child on your lap.
“Children aged up to at least seven years must be restrained in an appropriate child car restraint.”
The Commission said that old or worn restraints more than 10 years old or which had previously been in a crash should be avoided and drivers should ensure child car restraints were correctly installed.
The Commission’s four-page Seatbelts In-Depth Information Sheet can be accessed at this PS News link and its three-page Seatbelts FAQ at this link.
