Devon and Cornwall Police have said around 50% more people have been caught not wearing seat belts as those fined for driving while using mobile phone.
The force said 10,000 images collected by Artificial Intelligence (AI) cameras over the last 12 months had captured 6,000 people breaking seat belt laws and 4,000 drivers using phones.
It added a large proportion of those killed in road accidents in Devon and Cornwall who were not wearing seat belts were young people, aged 16 to 24.
A spokesman for the Department for Transport said road safety was under scrutiny: "Measures have not been reviewed for over a decade and we will set out the next steps for our strategy for road safety in due course."
Adrian Leisk, head of road safety for Devon & Cornwall Police, said the force was dismayed at the number of people, including children, found travelling in cars without belting up.
"Surely your child is the most precious cargo you can carry and it defies belief that people treat the safety of their children in such a casual manner," he said.
According to the RAC, if you are caught driving or travelling in a vehicle without wearing a seat belt, and do not qualify for an exemption, external, you could be given an on-the-spot fine of £100, external which will not carry any penalty points.
The driver is responsible for children aged up to 14 and could be fined for each child passenger without a seat belt. If the case goes to court, the fine could be as much as £500.
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