Busting Seatbelt Myths
Virginia focuses 'click it, or ticket' efforts on worst offenders – truckers.
Deborah Whistler
Editor
Research shows that seatbelt use among commercial truck drivers is substantially lower than that of all motorists. As a result, the Virginia State Police decided to focus its “click it, or ticket” seatbelt enforcement campaign on big rigs.
The enforcement effort took place on I-95 between Petersburg and Fredericksburg beginning May 16 through June 5. Virginia decided to make the push toward increased truck driver seatbelt use after a survey of truckers along that route in April. They found that fewer than 58% of commercial truck drivers were wearing their seatbelts, compared to nearly 80% usage rate for all Virginia motorists.
The major reason for the truck drivers’ reluctance to belt up seems to be that they feel invincible due to the size of their rigs. Here are some other trucker seatbelt myths and facts from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. Every fleet needs to share them with drivers.
Myth: There is no compelling reason to buckle up. If I am in a crash I won’t be ejected. My vehicle is so large and high off the ground, I won’t be hurt.
Fact: Safety belts prevent injuries and fatalities by preventing ejection, shifting crash forces to the strongest parts of the body’s structure, spreading forces over a wider area of the body, allowing the body to slow down gradually, protecting the head and spinal cord.
In 2002:
• 588 drivers of large trucks died in truck crashes;
• 311 drivers of large trucks that died in truck crashes were not wearing safety belts; and
• 134 drivers of large trucks that died in truck crashes were ejected.
Myth: Wearing a safety belt is a personal decision and doesn’t affect anyone else.
Fact: First of all, it’s the law. The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations require commercial motor vehicle drivers to wear safety belts.
NHTSA says its good to point out to drivers how the consequences of not wearing a safety belt can greatly affect their family and loved ones. Ask drivers what would be the effect on their loved ones if they are killed or seriously injured in a crash as the result of not buckling up?
It is a driver’s responsibility to maintain control of the vehicle. Safety belts are the best chance of remaining in control of a truck in a crash or emergency situation.
Truck driver deaths as a result of not wearing a safety belt cost society – and trucking companies – billions of dollars each year.
Myth: A safety belt will trap me inside my vehicle. I won’t be able to get out of the cab if it catches fire or is submerged in water.
Fact: A driver’s best chance of survival is remaining conscious and in place behind the wheel of the truck. In rollovers, drivers are 80% less likely to die when belted. Sixty percent of truck occupant fatalities in large trucks involve a rollover. Rollover in a large truck increases the likelihood of fatality 30 times.
Myth: The safety belt is too small and restricts my movement.
Fact: Safety belt extenders are available. Fleet managers should make sure they’re available when needed.
Myth: In the old days - we just had a lap belt that seemed to work fine. I feel trapped in the two-part lap and shoulder belts.
Fact: The lap and shoulder safety belt design has been proven to hold a driver securely behind the wheel in the event of a crash, greatly increasing the driver’s ability to maintain control of the vehicle and minimizing the chance for serious injury or death. Wearing only a part of the safety belt greatly reduces your protection.
The Virginia program is a good one, but it’s only one state on a portion of one highway. Trucking companies have a responsibility to improve these dismal statistics. Educate your drivers and help bust the seatbelt myths.
E-mail Deb Whistler at dwhistler@truckinginfo.com
