Factsheet 30 – February 2005

Excuses – and why they aren't valid

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Many people find excuses for not wearing a safety belt.

None of the excuses below are valid.

Pregnancy

If you're pregnant, you must always wear your safety belt, with the lap belt worn low on the pelvis. Unborn children need to be protected from crash injuries. If you don't wear a safety belt you put two lives at risk.

Skilful driving

No matter how good a driver you are, you can't control what other drivers do. Be prepared and wear your safety belt.

Individual freedom

Some people think wearing a safety belt or not is their own business. It's not a matter of choice, it's the law.

Being thrown clear

Some people claim that without a safety belt they'd be thrown clear from their vehicle in a crash. They might – but they're likely to be killed or permanently disabled. You're more likely to survive in the car, with a safety belt on.

Being trapped

Some people believe that wearing a safety belt would trap them in the vehicle if they crashed. If the crash is so serious that you might be trapped, not wearing a safety belt would probably mean you're dead. When you're wearing a safety belt your chances of surviving are higher.

Protests from children

Some people claim that their children don't wear safety belts because they don't like them. However, wearing safety belts is a serious safety issue – it's the sort of decision that adults make, not children. Insist that your children wear their safety belts. It could save their lives.

Children who wear a restraint from birth will think it's normal to wear one.

The safety belt doesn't fit

If the safety belt won't fit around you, there are extensioners available. Ask your nearest motor vehicle parts and accessories store for information.