Abstract
The events leading to the introduction of the law for the compulsory wearing of seat belts in the State of Victoria are described. There was much opposition to the proposal for compulsory wearing and the story of how this was overcome forms the major part of the report. Subsequent to the introduction of the seat belt law in Victoria, there has been a worldwide swing to compulsory legislation because it produces a remarkable saving in lives and reduction in injuries. In Victoria this saving is shown to be about 30% and 45% respective on expected trends.