In the first quarter of the 2024/25 financial year, more than 8,500 drivers were caught not wearing a seatbelt, with more than $3.3 million in fines issued.
The RACV is urging all Victorians to wear their seatbelts every time they are in a vehicle with police data showing that the state could be on track to record more seatbelt offenses than the 34,744 record in the last financial year.
Up to May 20 this year, 118 Victorians have lost their lives on the roads, up 8.3 per cent on last year.
RACV head of policy, James Williams said the figures were a stark reminder of the risks associated with ignoring seatbelt rules.
“Failing to wear a seatbelt is a simple, but deadly mistake,” Mr Williams said.
“Seatbelts save lives. Choosing not to wear one puts you, your passengers, and other road users at risk.
“Crashes can happen anytime, anywhere – and the consequences of not being restrained can be fatal.
“Wearing a seatbelt is one of the simplest actions we can take to reduce road trauma. It takes just seconds to click in – and it could save your life.”
In Victoria, the penalty for not wearing a seatbelt a $395 fine and three demerit points.
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