This was one of the more serious incidents in a relatively quiet Anzac Day period on our roads.

But Highway Patrol Sergeant Jim Prentice again expressed serious concerns over the ongoing disregard for driver and passenger restraints in motor vehicles.

Following on from the 13 unrestrained persons in vehicles infringements issued over the Easter break, a further eight unrestrained commuters tickets were issued over the Anzac Day long weekend.

Sergeant Prentice said the figures are unacceptable.

“We can applaud the majority of drivers who passed through our patch but restraints have again been a major and disappointing problem in what has otherwise been a positive period,” Sergeant Prentice said.

“We continue to find people in vehicles who aren’t restrained and regardless of whether they’re passengers or drivers, a total of 21 infringements is far too high.”

Sergeant Prentice is unsure as to why the number of infringements is so high but voiced frustration over the ongoing inability of drivers to restrain themselves despite state education. 

“I don’t know, I wish I had the answer,” he said.

“Issues like drug driving are comparatively new and RBTS have been in place for a number of years now, but restraints have been around since cars were first built, so there’s really no excuse.”

“Eight doesn’t sound like much but eight is far too many, especially with our well-established state education program.”

Sergeant Prentice conceded seat belts might be ignored by rural commuters but pleaded local drivers to consider the safety of their family and set a positive a example.

“It could be that people out here are just relaxed about travelling from A to B, but it is troublesome particularly if kids are not being restrained by their parents.”

More than 120 tickets were issued over an Anzac police operation that conducted 1551 RBTs around Cootamundra.