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Vehicle Safety Campaign: Seat Belt Reminder


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BRISBANE , AUSTRALIA – September 30, 2009: A car crash in Redland City, Brisbane, in which a young girl lost her life, is a tragic reminder of the importance of wearing a seat belt.

As reported in the Courier Mail, “six teens crammed into a red Toyota Corolla, the 14 year old girl was the only one not wearing a seat belt when it lost control on Hanover Drive, Alexandra Hills”.

In Victoria, every person travelling in a car must wear a seat belt, if one is available.

Transport Accident Commission (TAC) figures for 2008 show 45 drivers and passengers killed in Victoria were unrestrained and that each year, around 20 percent of car drivers and passengers killed in crashes are not wearing seat belts. The TAC website explains that the law requires:

  • that every person travelling in a car must wear a seatbelt or a child restraint if one is available;
  • the driver must also ensure that the law is observed by each passenger under 16 years;
  • a child less than one year old must be restrained in an approved child restraint;
  • a passenger, at least one year old and under 16, must be held in a child restraint or seatbelt.

    VACC advises motorists to be familiar with the regulations regarding seat belts and that if they have any concerns about the condition of their seat belts, they get them checked immediately.

    “Seat belts and restraints are one of the key safety areas of a vehicle. All occupants of a vehicle should wear one, on every journey,” VACC Executive Director, David Purchase, said.

    “VACC is currently running a public awareness campaign, highlighting Vehicle Safety. We implore all motorists to reduce risks on the road by ensuring the vehicle they are driving is well maintained and regularly serviced.

    “In particular, we are urging drivers to ask their repairer to inspect the brakes, tyres, lights, steering and restraints – the five key safety areas of their vehicle.

    “This was a tragic and needless addition to the nation’s road toll. VACC asks that all motorists take Vehicle Safety seriously,” Mr Purchase said.

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