Wearing a seatbelt increases your chance of surviving a serious crash by up to 50 per cent.

Seatbelts prevent occupants from striking the vehicle's interior, which is generally the cause of most injuries in a crash.

A seatbelt should be worn with the buckle low on the hip, the sash running from the shoulder across the chest and above the stomach, and the lap belt sitting across the pelvis and hips.

Adults should also set a good example for children by always wearing their seatbelt and always making children wear their seatbelt or appropriate child restraint.

Seatbelt tips:

• ensure everyone is wearing their seatbelt before you start your driving trip—if you drive with a passenger of any age without a seatbelt or child restraint, you risk being fined A$300 and three demerit points
• make it a habit and put a reminder note on your steering wheel or your dashboard. Before you know it, you will automatically reach for the seatbelt every time you get in your car
• if children unbuckle themselves when driving, pull over as soon as it is safe to do so and reattach their seatbelt. Continue to do this and they will soon realise that it needs to stay on.

Buckle up. Be here. Here for Life.

More information about seatbelts:

• seatbelts campaign
• seatbelt fines and penalties
• child restraints