One-quarter of people who died in a car crash so far this year were not wearing a seatbelt

Almost a quarter of people who have died in a fatal car crash so far this year were not wearing a seatbelt.

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The state’s peak road safety body is issuing a fresh call to motorists about the importance of wearing a seatbelt, after alarming new figures revealed a quarter of people who have died in a fatal car crash so far this year were not wearing one.

So far in 2020, eight out of the 32 people who have lost their lives in crashes were not wearing seatbelts.

The statistics are on track to be the highest amount of people to die in crashes while not wearing a seatbelt since 2017.

Figures released this week by the Department of Transport and Infrastructure also revealed of the 69 people who died in a car crash in 2019, 16 were not wearing a seatbelt at the time of the crash.

The number doubled since 2018, which recorded eight fatal car crash victims who were not wearing a seatbelt.

Half of the people who died in car crashes not wearing a seatbelt in 2019 were reported to have been thrown out of the car on impact.

Operation Belt Up launched last month. It emphasises the need for any car driver or passenger to wear a seatbelt.

RAA senior safety spokesman, Charles Mountain, said wearing a seatbelt doubles the chance of a person surviving a serious crash.

“Seatbelts are one of the things that make an enormous difference for likelihood of us not getting seriously injured in the event of a crash,” Mr Mountain said. “It’s something we can all do very simply every time we get in a vehicle.”

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Mr Mountain said airbags do not guarantee the vehicle occupant’s safety.

“Airbags alone don’t replace seatbelts, so you need seatbelts irrespective of whether your vehicle has multiple airbags.”

He said a seatbelt should be worn correctly, ensuring it is not twisted or knotted, and fastened tightly across the occupant’s waist and shoulders.

The 16 lives lost on SA roads who did not wear a seatbelt could have had a different outcome if they wore a seatbelt, he said.

“If people were properly secured in a vehicle the likelihood of being killed is greatly reduced … I think particularly too, when we see some of those people were actually thrown from the vehicle too on impact, which increases their risk of further damage and injury.”

Police Minister Corey Wingard said the statistics for 2020 were disappointing.

“It’s flabbergasting that there are people out there who don’t buckle up,” Mr Wingard said.

“But I once again implore all South Australians to please think road safety, it’s your responsibility.”

The fine for not wearing a seatbelt in South Australia is $388, and the addition of three demerit points.

Some 56 lives have been lost on SA roads so far this year, compared to 65 at the same time last year.