Buckle Up for a Safe Holiday Season: Seatbelt Cameras Are Watching in NSW

As Christmas and the New Year approaches, many of us are gearing up for road trips, family visits, and festive celebrations. But amidst the holiday cheer, it’s vital to remember that safety comes first—on and off the road. Starting July 1, 2024, New South Wales will enforce seatbelt laws with the same cameras currently used to catch mobile phone use behind the wheel.

This timely reminder could save lives during one of the busiest travel periods of the year.

Why It Matters Now More Than Ever

According to Transport for NSW, 15% of road fatalities each year involve drivers or passengers not wearing seatbelts. With 354 tragic losses in 2023, the need for stricter enforcement is clear. Alarmingly, between 2019 and 2023, 150 lives were lost simply because seatbelts weren't being worn—a grim statistic that underscores their life-saving importance.

As holiday traffic ramps up, the risks on the road increase. Distractions, long hours, and festive celebrations can lead to lapses in judgment. But wearing a seatbelt is one decision you can control—a simple click that doubles your chances of survival in a crash.

What's changed?

• Mobile phone detection cameras will now also check for seatbelt compliance, including:
  - Drivers not wearing seatbelts
  - Passengers unbuckled
  - Incorrect use, such as wearing the belt under the arm

• There’s no grace period. Fines will be issued immediately, ensuring everyone is held accountable.

• Revenue raised from fines will go directly toward improving road safety initiatives across NSW.

Holiday Safety Tips: Stay Road-Ready

As you prepare for holiday travel, make sure you and your passengers follow these essential tips:

1. Buckle up every time: Whether you're the driver or a passenger, no seatbelt = no exceptions.
2. Double-check your passengers: Ensure kids and adults alike are properly restrained before starting your journey.
3. Plan your route: Reduce stress by knowing your route ahead of time and allowing extra travel time during peak holiday periods.
4. Rest up: Fatigue is a silent killer. Take breaks during long drives to stay alert.

A Shared Responsibility

The holiday season is about sharing joy, not heartbreak. Whether you're driving to a family lunch or a beach getaway, take a moment to prioritise safety. The NSW Government’s measures—doubling roadside speed camera enforcement, introducing licence requirements for foreign drivers, and offering demerit point incentives—are all steps toward safer roads.

As NSW Minister for Roads John Graham aptly puts it: “Seatbelts save lives, it’s as simple as that.”

So, as you load the car with gifts, snacks, and festive tunes, don’t forget the most important thing—your seatbelt. Together, let’s make this holiday season memorable for all the right reasons.

Safe travels and happy holidays from Tynan Motors!