New seatbelt detection cameras catching out hundreds of offenders
By Judy Evans
@JudyEv (340150)
Rockingham, Australia
August 4, 2024 12:04am CST
New South Wales in Australia is cracking down on drivers and passengers who either don’t wear seatbelts or wear them incorrectly. New technology has seen the installation of seatbelt detection cameras which have produced a much higher number of offenders than supposed.
So far, 11,400 fines have been issued to offenders, 75% of these being for improper use of a seatbelt. Cameras showed passengers holding babies on their laps, children unrestrained and children sharing seats with adults. At the current rate, 100,000 fines will be issued by July next year.
The NSW Roads Minister said that, by not wearing a seatbelt you are twice as likely to die in a crash.
The photo shows Vince ‘hooning’ in his old car. There were no seat belts in those days. Do you always 'buckle up'? We do.
26 people like this
25 responses
@Beestring (14558)
• Hong Kong
4 Aug
I always wear seatbelts. In fact, it's an offence here not wearing seatbelt.
6 people like this
@AmbiePam (92789)
• United States
4 Aug
That’s quite a picture!
My dad instilled the habit of wearing our seatbelts at a very young age. If he pulled out of the driveway, and we didn’t have our seatbelts on, my sister and I owed him 50 cents. If we caught him without a seatbelt, he owed us 50 cents. And when we got our license, he told us if he ever caught us driving without a seatbelt he’d take our cars (me and my sister’s) away for a month. We never forgot to wear our seatbelt after that.
It blows me away people would be driving with babies on their laps!
4 people like this
@JudyEv (340150)
• Rockingham, Australia
4 Aug
It's such an easy thing to do and could save your life. And what chance has a baby on a lap if there is a collision or even a sudden braking.
@kaylachan (69826)
• Daytona Beach, Florida
4 Aug
I always have. Lately I've found myself having to help George with his belt when we go places in ride shares. Even if we're in the back seat, I don't want us being responsible for our driver getting a ticket because he's not buckled in. He says it's "hard" but he knows better.
4 people like this
@JudyEv (340150)
• Rockingham, Australia
4 Aug
It can be hard to buckle up sometimes but the consequences of not wearing a seatbelt could be dire.
@GardenGerty (160697)
• United States
4 Aug
We buckle up, but many do not. What, may I ask, is hooning?
2 people like this
@vandana7 (100297)
• India
5 Aug
@JudyEv I no longer drive. I don't speed so why would I be in any accident. Always under 40 kmph within the city limits. Outside, yes. I do cross 80 then, but the roads are empty. Even there I don't do 100 kmph.
I am sure seat belts are designed for safety, but I am short, with short arms too. When it holds me back, I feel very tied down and not free. Hands and shoulders feel stiff after driving. I can move forward a tad to let my arms relax. I never leave the steering. Both hands.
Dad selected our car, so kinda, it is right for him, not for me.
1 person likes this
@mom210 (9117)
• United States
4 Aug
we just lost my brother in law last month in a single car auto accident. 35 years old, wasn't wearing his seat belt. He left behind a 8 year old son, that he was the single parent of. To me it was always a no brainer to wear my seat belt, I taught my kids to do the same, 30 seconds out of your day and you are most likely taken care of.
1 person likes this
@mom210 (9117)
• United States
5 Aug
@JudyEv yes, broke my heart. I felt like he would be a more careful father, because his own father passed away from cancer when he was only 4, so he practically went his whole life without a father. He left a lot of memories with his son though, they were always together doing things, very close.
1 person likes this
@xFiacre (13034)
• Ireland
4 Aug
@judyev Clunk clink for every trip, as one says here after a TV campaign years ago extolling the use of seatbelts. It’s horrifying to think back to when everyone just piled crowds of people into the car without a care. I think I’ve just been caught in a speed trap.
1 person likes this
@JudyEv (340150)
• Rockingham, Australia
4 Aug
Vince got picked up for speeding about a month ago. I feel worried now if I don't put on my seatbelt.
@kobesbuddy (78882)
• East Tawas, Michigan
4 Aug
I do drive with my seat belt in place. Sometimes, I take off and don't put it on!
1 person likes this
@kobesbuddy (78882)
• East Tawas, Michigan
5 Aug
@JudyEv My vehicle does that also, it beeps.
1 person likes this
@RasmaSandra (79892)
• Daytona Beach, Florida
4 Aug
I have no car and have not been in a car in ages, Yes, I have always buckled up,
1 person likes this
@LindaOHio (178780)
• United States
4 Aug
Cool pic. I always wear my seatbelt. My husband's second cousin drives with her Pomeranian on her lap. I fear for that dog all the time. Have a good day.
1 person likes this