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RAC questions new driver penalties

29 February 2008

The RAC has questioned the State Government's ‘knee-jerk reaction' to road safety problems in light of new laws to be implemented from tomorrow which will see a significant increase in penalties for the non-use of seat belts, as well as other new driver penalties.

Under the new laws, drivers will be fined a minimum of $500 and four demerit points for passengers not wearing a seatbelt, regardless of the passenger's age, with fines increasing with each unrestrained passenger. Demerit points also increase in double demerit point periods, such as this weekend.

"The government twice increased fines for seat belt wearing in 2007 and we had a record road toll that year of 235 deaths which included many unrestrained drivers and passengers. This places doubt on the effect of penalty increases," said Mr Maisey.

"We believe the laws are punitive and are a knee-jerk reaction that is unlikely to have a significant effect on driver and passenger behaviour and the road toll in general.

The RAC's Manager of Road Policy, Gavin Maisey, said the RAC has concerns over a lack of communication about the changes and whether the tougher penalties will see a change in driver and passenger behaviour.

"We are concerned that most drivers will not be aware they are responsible to ensure all passengers are restrained including other adults, not just children up to 16 years of age as the previous laws required," said Mr Maisey.

"We acknowledge that failure to wear seat belts and other restraints contributes to serious injury and death in road crashes, however a more extensive promotional campaign to explain the new laws to road users prior to the implementation would have been advisable.

"This is a significant penalty increase which many drivers are not aware of and to introduce it over a double-demerit period could mean drivers face a loss of up to eight demerit points, or even cost some drivers their licences.

Penalties for other traffic offences will change later in the year including tougher penalties for hoons and reckless driving.