Too Many Professional Drivers
Still Not Buckling Up

According to recent figures, professional truck drivers still lag behind in safety belt use.  The reasons why are not entirely clear, but the U.S. Department of Transportation, the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration and other safety groups are on a mission to change their minds with its Be Ready—Be Buckled campaign.

Consider These Facts:

• In 2005, 695 drivers of large trucks died in truck crashes and 344 of those drivers were not wearing safety belts.  Of the 176 drivers killed who were ejected from their vehicles, almost 77% were not wearing safety belts.

• 51% of truck driver fatalities in large trucks involve a rollover.  A fatality is 30 times more likely in a rollover accident.  A driver is 80% less likely to die in a rollover accident if wearing a safety belt.

• 68% of truck drivers killed, who were not wearing a safety belt, were involved in single vehicle crashes.

• Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations require commercial motor vehicle drivers to wear safety belts (49 CFR 392.16).

Looking for more reasons to buckle up? The FMCSA’s Commercial Motor Vehicle Safety Belt Program website has plenty, including testimonials, videos, and brochures. 

http://www.fmcsa.dot.gov/safetybelt