The Road Safety Commission has partnered with Royal Perth Hospital to deliver an extension of the Caught in a Flash 2026 campaign, reinforcing the importance of wearing a seatbelt correctly on every trip.
The campaign extension draws on the expertise of WA trauma surgeon and state trauma director Steve Dungey alongside confronting crashlab footage to demonstrate the consequences of incorrect seatbelt use.
The campaign shows how something as simple as wearing a seatbelt incorrectly can significantly increase the risk of serious injury.
‘How you wear your seatbelt matters just as much as wearing one’
Road Safety Commissioner Adrian Warner said the campaign is a timely reminder that how you wear your seatbelt matters just as much as wearing one.
“Volvo invented the three-point seatbelt in the 1960s and then gave the patent away for free for the good of saving lives around the world,” he said.
“The science on seatbelt safety was settled in the 60s—if you don’t buckle up correctly, you’re ignoring decades of evidence.
“Your seatbelt is the easiest life-saving decision you’ll ever make, and no one understands that more than the doctors and nurses in our state’s trauma unit who face the consequences of not wearing one every day.
“Even placing the chest sash under your arm or off your shoulder for just a moment can have lifelong consequences if you’re involved in a crash.
“These are preventable injuries and through this campaign, we want people to understand there are real consequences.”
Safety camera data demonstrates behaviour change
Since safety cameras were introduced to Western Australia, there has been a significant drop in the rate of seatbelt offences detected.
From February 2025 to April 2026, the rate of seatbelt offences detected has decreased by more than 80 per cent from 4.60 offences per thousand vehicles in February 2025 to .69 offences per thousand vehicles in April 2026.
This decline shows that more and more drivers and passengers are adjusting their behaviour, with increased awareness and enforcement helping to normalise correct seatbelt use on every trip.
Wearing your seatbelt correctly is one of the simplest ways to protect yourself on the road.
For more information
The campaign will roll out across WA using a multi-media approach, including broadcast TV, radio, social media and press advertising, ensuring the message reaches drivers and passengers wherever they are.
All campaign materials are available on the Wear your seatbelt correctly campaign page.
For more information about seatbelts visit wa.gov.au/seatbelts
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