High risk traffic behaviours – Failing to wear seatbelt

Police in the Devonport area have observed an increase in drivers and passengers failing to wear seatbelts whilst travelling in motor vehicles.

Over the weekend (26 and 27 July) 18 people were issued with infringement notices for failing to wear a seatbelt or failing to ensure their passengers were wearing their seatbelts. Three children were found not to be wearing their seatbelt or restraints and in these cases the driver of the vehicle was charged.

The majority of offences occurred in high traffic / pedestrian areas, and two drivers failing to wear their seatbelts were also observed to travel through red lights.

Sergeant Brenda Orr said “This is particularly concerning as this was not part of a targeted operation but as part of everyday patrols in the Devonport area. Wearing a seatbelt correctly significantly reduces the seriousness of injury caused by a motor vehicle crash.”

The penalty for failing to wear a properly adjusted and fastened seatbelt is $300 and three demerit points.