Student artwork drives home new seatbelt safety campaign

A NEW seatbelt safety initiative across Tweed features specially-designed artwork by Kingscliff TAFE student Holly Porter as part of the ‘Hug of Life’ campaign aimed at encouraging young people to buckle up.

The campaign was developed through a collaboration between Tweed Shire Council and Kingscliff TAFE under the national Re:act program, which challenges students to create their own road safety campaigns.

Porter’s winning design was created with input from Transport for NSW and Safe System Solutions and is now being promoted through local networks.

The artwork is currently on display at bus stops and other prominent locations across the region.

Porter said her campaign was inspired by research she conducted with drivers aged 17 to 25, which revealed concerning attitudes toward seatbelt use.

“At least half of the surveys I conducted came back stating that either people do not use their seatbelts correctly or not at all, and that is just mind-boggling,” she said.

“The slogan was inspired by the famous song The Kiss of Life — a play on words. ‘Hug of Life’ felt fitting because it captures the idea that your seatbelt is literally holding you safe.”

Seatbelts remain one of the most effective safety measures on the road.

The World Health Organisation has found they reduce the risk of fatal or serious injury by up to 60 per cent for drivers and front-seat passengers, and by approximately 44 per cent for rear-seat occupants.

Council road safety officer Lily Morgan said the initiative was a powerful way to engage young people in meaningful behaviour change.

“This campaign puts young people’s safety front and centre,” Morgan said.

“Holly has done a fantastic job bringing the message to life in an engaging way, with a clear sense of care throughout the design.”

To learn more about the program and view the campaign, visit reactforchange.org.