Unpacking the law on seat belt regulations
Kwatsaduza - It is the time of year when thousands of people are preparing to take to the roads over the festive season.
A period where people come in or go out of the province in high numbers, which also leads to a large number of road accidents and fatalities.
And, though there are numerous factors that may be counted as reasons for deaths in accidents at this time, a major cause is the fact that people shy away from wearing seat belts in both private and public vehicles.
Read: Road safety tips for the holiday season
The African Reporter spoke to Ekurhuleni Metropolitan Police Department (EMPD) spokesman Kobedi Mokheseng about what the law stipulates regarding this matter.
Q: What is the law with regard to the wearing of safety belts?
A: Legislation stipulates that everyone in a motor vehicle should wear a seatbelt, especially when driving forward.
Q: What are the benefits of wearing a seat belt and the possible dangers of not having one on?
A: Wearing a seat belt will keep you in the seat, preventing you from being thrown about inside or ejected from the vehicle.
This reduces the likelihood of you being killed or injured in a crash.
Q: Is it only the driver who is expected to wear a seat belt, or does the same apply to all passengers?
A: If the motor vehicle is fitted with seat belts for a driver and passengers, they must all wear them.
Q: If both driver and passengers should wear seat belts, is the law different for private vehicles and public transport?
A: The law is not different, it applies to all.
Q: Since, half the time, the drivers of public transportation are those involved in accidents and are responsible for more lives in their vehicles, why does it seem that the law is less strict when monitoring if all those in their taxis and buses are wearing seat belts?
A: The law is not less strict on taxis and buses, we do monitor all vehicles on our roadways and, if we come across lawbreakers or wrongdoers, we attend to them.
We do not target specific motor vehicles, but our understanding is that accidents do happen.
Q: What is the latest law and age in terms of ensuring children are strapped into their seats?
A: The law says that it is the driver’s responsibility and legal obligation to ensure that children are buckled up in the car, in a safety seat (child restraint) or seat belt where available.
Read: Commuters asked to pack light for festive holidays
An adult is guilty of a criminal offence if he/she should allow a child younger than 14 years old to travel unrestrained in a motor vehicle equipped with seat belts or car safety seats.
Mokheseng closes off by saying that the National Road Traffic Act 93/1996 – Regulation 213(4) states that an adult occupying a seat and failing to wear seat belt can be fined an amount to R200.
