Seat belts will be the prime focus of a Queensland-wide road safety operation leading up to the Easter holidays, with Operation Seat Belts 2013 announced today by the Queensland Police Service’s (QPS), State Traffic Support Branch (STSB) today.
STSB will coordinate the operation that runs from today, Monday February 25 until midnight on Sunday March 10.
Police regions and participating commands will collaborate in multi-faceted approach to improve motorist and passenger compliance with seat belt laws.
Chief Superintendent Andy Morrow, STSB said that failure to wear a seat belt or wearing a seat belt incorrectly is one of the five causal factors in the on-going ‘Fatal Five’ road safety message.
“During 2012, eight percent of all fatalities onQueensland’s roads were a result of crashes involving drivers or passengers not wearing seatbelts, and already in 2013, initial investigations indicate that failure to wear a seat belt has been a contributing factor in seven deaths, which represents 15 percent of theQueenslandroad toll this year.,” Chief Superintendent Morrow said.
“It is not hard; putting on a seat belt should be second nature. It is a responsibility of both drivers and passengers to make sure seat belts are always worn and drivers should remember that they are responsible for all the passengers in their vehicle.”
The QPS is committed to reducing the rate of road crashes, trauma and infringements. Crashes are largely preventable and the lives that can be saved and serious injuries avoided can reduce costs, but more importantly reduce pain and suffering within communities.
“Throughout Operation Seat Belts, police will be using static and mobile enforcement activities, with an increased police presence on the roads using marked and unmarked vehicles,” Chief Superintendent Morrow said.
“If you fail to wear a seat belt, you not only put your life and others at significant risk, you will face a $330 fine and 3 demerit points.
“Do the right thing and buckle-up. It will save your life,” he said.