Why do safety restraints matter?

Wearing a safety restraint increases your chances of surviving a crash by a massive 40% - and greatly reduces your risk of broken bones, brain damage, other horrific injuries or disfigurement.

If everybody in New Zealand always wore their seat belt, around 35 lives, 250-300 injuries and millions of dollars could be saved every year!

In a crash, if you were in a front seat and not wearing a seatbelt, chances are you could be thrown into the windscreen or out of the vehicle. The person in the back seat that also isn't wearing a seat belt is likely to injure not only themselves, but also the person sitting in the seat in front of them.

Picture of a car safety belt

Driver’s responsibility for Passengers

If you are the driver, the law says you are responsible to make sure everyone under 15 years old is wearing a safety belt or sitting in an approved child restraint.

Too many crashes are continuing to occur where the driver and/or passengers are not wearing their safety belt or even more alarming, that young children were not restrained correctly or even restrained at all.

The only exception to this is a passenger service vehicle, such as a bus or taxi.

Fines for not wearing a Safety Restraint

If you don’t wear a safety belt or you allow a person under 15 years to travel unrestrained you could face a fine of $150 for each belt not worn. People 15 years and older are responsible for their own fine.

Excuses that don’t cut it

× My safety belt is uncomfortable

× I’m only going to the shops which is 5 minutes away

× My car is as safe as a house, so I don’t need to wear a safety belt

× I’ve been driving for 30 years, and I have never had a crash, so why do I need to wear a safety belt?

× Safety belts make me feel trapped

× It’s my life and I’ll make my own decisions

Safety Restraint Maintenance

The material safety belts are made from does wear out over time. A damaged or worn-out seat belt may break or stretch too much in a crash and may not protect you. Common signs of damage and wear are:

  • Fading from UV light
  • Fraying from rubbing on vehicle fittings
  • A cut in the material
  • The belt is no longer flexible or supple

Safety restraints are checked when your vehicle goes through a Warrant of Fitness or Certificate of Fitness. However, it is important to check your safety belts yourself at regular intervals.

For more information on safety belts, child restraints or airbags, check the information on the NZTA webpage or contact the Road Safety Education Coordinator at the Council: roadsafety@selwyn.govt.nz

Selwyn Car Seat Champions

Need a car seat checked or installed?
Pop down and visit the team of Selwyn Car Seat Champion volunteers. Find out more about their next event here.