'This is literally part of the Knowledge Test': Driver faces thousands in fines after this mistake!
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While driving around Australia, each state has its own set of rules.
However, they all have one 'basic' rule drivers should keep in mind.
A recent incident served as a stark reminder to all Australian motorists about the importance of this road rule often taken for granted.
A driver has been slapped with a staggering $2050 fine while driving in the streets of Sydney.
The driver's costly lesson began on 22 December when a seat belt detection camera on the M4 Motorway near Greystanes captured an image of a passenger with a seat belt worn incorrectly.
An employee of a Sydney-based vehicle rental company took to social media to share the cautionary tale.
The employee noted an alarming increase in drivers facing similar fines.
'This fellow got hit with double demerits because the passenger was wearing the seat belt under their shoulder,' he explained.
The fine, initially issued to the company due to the use of a corporate vehicle, was five times the amount an individual might face.
'Once a driver is nominated, the fine will be reduced,' the notice read.
'If you don't nominate a driver, you will have to pay the full fine amount of $2050 and face an additional fine of over $1400.'
After being nominated, an employee had to pay a fine of $400.
However, the penalty still included six demerit points.
Several drivers immediately shared their thoughts about the ordeal.
'This is literally part of the Driver Knowledge Test and the road users handbook,' one comment pointed out.
Another comment pointed out that since it was a 'hire car company', there could be a chance that the passengers were not Australians.
'A lot of the policing tools we use here are unfamiliar overseas,' the comment read.
'While you should always follow the rules, I question how aware some tourists would be of how strict we are unless it's spelled out to them.'
'I can't understand how one could wear a seat belt incorrectly. It's designed to click in normally, and then the strap should go over the shoulder. Why?' a third comment asked.
'People really disregard safety when it comes to cars,' a fourth lamented. 'Nothing excuses people from knowing the road rules.'
According to the NSW Government, about 29 people die, and 76 face severe injuries on NSW roads for simply not wearing a seat belt properly.
Always wear seat belts in a 'low, flat, and firm' position to maximise their protective benefits.
The lap belt should cross the hips, and the shoulder strap should pass over the chest and mid-shoulder.
Failure to comply not only incurs fines and demerit points, but it could also endanger lives.
The NSW government introduced phone and seat belt detection cameras last year.
This new measure could monitor and penalise drivers breaking the said road rules.
Despite over 50 years of mandatory seat belt laws, non-compliance remains a stubborn issue.
Exemptions to wearing only apply in specific situations, such as reversing or driving a garbage truck or a delivery vehicle at low speeds.
Let this be a reminder to buckle up correctly when hitting the road.
It is a critical safety measure that could save your or your loved ones' lives.
Have you or someone you know ever faced a similar situation? Share your experiences and thoughts about this news in the comments section below. Let's keep each other informed and safe on the roads!
However, they all have one 'basic' rule drivers should keep in mind.
A recent incident served as a stark reminder to all Australian motorists about the importance of this road rule often taken for granted.
A driver has been slapped with a staggering $2050 fine while driving in the streets of Sydney.
The driver's costly lesson began on 22 December when a seat belt detection camera on the M4 Motorway near Greystanes captured an image of a passenger with a seat belt worn incorrectly.
An employee of a Sydney-based vehicle rental company took to social media to share the cautionary tale.
The employee noted an alarming increase in drivers facing similar fines.
The fine notice required the vehicle rental company to nominate a driver or face hefty fines. Image Credit: Reddit
'This fellow got hit with double demerits because the passenger was wearing the seat belt under their shoulder,' he explained.
The fine, initially issued to the company due to the use of a corporate vehicle, was five times the amount an individual might face.
'Once a driver is nominated, the fine will be reduced,' the notice read.
'If you don't nominate a driver, you will have to pay the full fine amount of $2050 and face an additional fine of over $1400.'
After being nominated, an employee had to pay a fine of $400.
However, the penalty still included six demerit points.
Several drivers immediately shared their thoughts about the ordeal.
'This is literally part of the Driver Knowledge Test and the road users handbook,' one comment pointed out.
Another comment pointed out that since it was a 'hire car company', there could be a chance that the passengers were not Australians.
'A lot of the policing tools we use here are unfamiliar overseas,' the comment read.
'While you should always follow the rules, I question how aware some tourists would be of how strict we are unless it's spelled out to them.'
'I can't understand how one could wear a seat belt incorrectly. It's designed to click in normally, and then the strap should go over the shoulder. Why?' a third comment asked.
'People really disregard safety when it comes to cars,' a fourth lamented. 'Nothing excuses people from knowing the road rules.'
According to the NSW Government, about 29 people die, and 76 face severe injuries on NSW roads for simply not wearing a seat belt properly.
Always wear seat belts in a 'low, flat, and firm' position to maximise their protective benefits.
The lap belt should cross the hips, and the shoulder strap should pass over the chest and mid-shoulder.
Failure to comply not only incurs fines and demerit points, but it could also endanger lives.
The NSW government introduced phone and seat belt detection cameras last year.
This new measure could monitor and penalise drivers breaking the said road rules.
Despite over 50 years of mandatory seat belt laws, non-compliance remains a stubborn issue.
Exemptions to wearing only apply in specific situations, such as reversing or driving a garbage truck or a delivery vehicle at low speeds.
Let this be a reminder to buckle up correctly when hitting the road.
It is a critical safety measure that could save your or your loved ones' lives.
