The NSW government says its safety drive on seatbelt non-compliance is working, with a 60 per cent decrease in offences since camera enforcement and fines were introduced twelve months ago.
Each offence attracts a $423 fine and three demerit points, or six during double demerit periods, with money raised through seatbelt cameras said to be reinvested directly into road safety improvements.
More than 99 per cent of drivers and passengers are reportedly doing the right thing, with140 million vehicles having been checked.
But Minister for Roads Jenny Aitchison says while the improvement in non-compliance is encouraging, there are still far too many offences involving passengers wearing seatbelts incorrectly, with around 75,000 recorded offences over the past year.
Camera images show 88 per cent of fines have been related to incorrect seatbelt use, with nearly two-thirds of the fines issued to drivers whose passengers were not buckled up properly.
Authorities say 34 people died on NSW roads while not wearing a seatbelt last year followed by another 11 people so far this year.
163 people have died not wearing a seatbelt in the past five years, with 85 per cent of the deaths recorded in regional NSW.
Motorists are being reminded that proper seatbelt use means wearing the lap belt low and firm across the hips, with the sash crossing the chest and mid-shoulder – never under the arm.
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