Premier urges care on WA roads over Easter as hefty seatbelt fines begin

4/04/07
Premier Alan Carpenter has urged Western Australian motorists to take extra care on the roads over the Easter break.
Mr Carpenter has also reminded the WA public that the new fines for drivers and passengers not wearing a seatbelt would come into effect on Good Friday.
The State Government has more than doubled the seatbelt fines, increasing them from $200 and three demerit points to $500 and four demerit points.
"Easter is a very busy time on our roads, with hundreds of thousands of people travelling all over the State to celebrate the Easter break with family and friends," the Premier said.
"I want people to have a safe and happy holiday so I urge people to be patient, sensible and considerate of other drivers."
Mr Carpenter said with the double demerit system in place over Easter, people fined for not wearing a seatbelt would pay a hefty price.
"A seatbelt fine incurred over Easter will see not only a $500 fine, but a loss of eight demerit points," he said.
"This can be so easily avoided by just buckling up when you get in the car."
The Premier said that over the last three years, there had been more deaths due to not wearing seatbelts than to drink driving or speeding.
"Already this year, 76 people have died on WA roads, 21 of which involved someone not wearing a seatbelt," he said.
"This loss of life is absolutely tragic, particularly when it could have been so easily prevented by simply putting a seatbelt on.
"In this day and age, not buckling up when you get into a car is inexcusable.
"People are, quite simply, not getting the message.
"We have taken action by more than doubling the seatbelt fines to make sure people do get the message. However, people also need to take responsibility for their own actions.
"Please drive safely this Easter; slow down, buckle up, do not drink and drive and enjoy the break with family and friends."
Premier's office - 9222 9475