A recent blitz in Queensland has nabbed tens of thousands of drivers not wearing their seatbelts (or not wearing them correctly, which incurs the same fine).

Motoring expert Paul Murrell wrote on his website seniordriveraus.com that it’s hard to comprehend why people would so needlessly put themselves at risk.

Infrared cameras, which detect both mobile phone and seatbelt offences, were launched in Queensland last July and are proving very effective (and, dare we say, profitable), Paul wrote.

For the first three months, the cameras generated warnings to motorists breaking the rules.

Drivers may try to deny the offence, but Andrew Mahon from Transport and Main Roads Queensland said the cameras rarely got it wrong.

“The technology is exceptional, the image quality is very high quality and we can always determine whether or not an offence has occurred,” he said.

The camera technology picks up, through artificial intelligence, if an offence has been committed. The photos are then sent to two different authorised officers to sign off on, before a fine is issued. Motorists can log on to the Transport and Main Roads system, follow the links on their infringement notice and view the high-definition photos.

Of the 75,000 fines handed out in six months, 20,000 were for seatbelt offences. The fine for not wearing a seatbelt, or wearing it incorrectly in Queensland is $413, but it will become even more costly from 1 July when the fine rises to $1078.

You have been warned.

Do you always wear a seatbelt? Do you understand why some people choose not to? Do you ever use your mobile phone while driving?