Correct seatbelt use reduces injury risk.
Wearing a seatbelt significantly reduces the likelihood of serious injury or death in an accident.
Incorrectly worn seatbelts cause injuries.
A seatbelt not worn correctly may cause internal or external injuries during a crash.
Seatbelt lap part position.
The lap portion of the seatbelt should be snug across the pelvis and hips, not the abdomen.
Seatbelt sash part position.
The sash should comfortably cross the chest from the shoulder, avoiding the neck and stomach.
Position of seatbelt in Pregnant womens.
For pregnant women, the lap belt must sit low across the thighs and pelvis, beneath the unborn baby.
Pregnant women’s seatbelt sash position.
The sash for pregnant women should run across the chest, above the stomach, and between the breasts.
Checking seatbelt condition regularly.
A seatbelt’s effectiveness depends on it being free from damage and properly adjusted.
Each passenger requires own seatbelt.
Every individual in the vehicle must have and use their own dedicated seatbelt for safety and legal compliance.
Seatbelt after severe crash.
A seatbelt involved in a severe crash may be compromised and should be replaced.
Driver’s child restraint responsibility.
The driver is legally accountable for ensuring children are secured in correct, approved child restraints.
Child restraint use for children under seven.
Children up to the age of seven years are legally required to use an approved child restraint.
Children aged seven and older.
Once a child turns seven, they must transition to a correctly adjusted adult seatbelt.
Child restraint choice depends on.
The type of child restraint required is determined by the child’s age and physical dimensions.
Child too small for next restraint level.
If a child is not yet ready for the next stage of restraint, they should remain in their current one.
Child too large for current restraint.
If a child exceeds the size limits of their current restraint, they can move to the next appropriate level.
Child too tall for booster seat.
A child has outgrown a booster seat when their eye level is higher than the top of the booster’s back.
Children 0 to 6 months restraint.
Infants up to six months old must be in a rearward-facing child restraint for optimal safety.
Children 6 months to 4 years restraint.
Children in this age group can use either a rearward-facing infant restraint or a forward-facing child restraint with a built-in harness.
Children 4 to 7 years restraint.
Children between four and seven years should use a booster seat, either with a lap-sash or an H-harness.
Procedure for installation of Child restraint
Correct installation according to the manufacturer’s instructions is crucial for a child restraint’s effectiveness.
Child under 4 sitting in front seat.
Children under four years old cannot sit in the front row if the vehicle has more than one row of seats.
Child 4–7 years in front seat (exception).
A child aged 4–7 can sit in the front if all rear seats are filled with children under seven years old.
Child of any age in single-row vehicle front seat.
In vehicles with only one row of seats (e.g., a utility), any properly restrained child can sit in the front.
Children with disability or medical condition.
Special restraints approved under AS/NZS 4370 are available for children with specific needs.
Consequences for unrestrained seatbelt.
The driver will incur penalties, including fines and demerit points, for any unrestrained or improperly restrained occupants.