More commercial bus and truck drivers are beginning to wear seatbelts, a recent study conducted by the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) shows. According to a news report, 74 percent of commercial truck and bus drivers buckled up in 2009. Compared to that, only 65 percent used seatbelts in the year 2007.
This is obviously good news. Whether it is truck drivers or drivers of passenger vehicles, seatbelts save lives. This is a fact that has been proven by several studies conducted in this country. It is encouraging to know that more and more drivers, including truck drivers, are recognizing the importance of wearing seatbelts while driving. In Missouri alone, 70 percent of all fatal crashes involve drivers not wearing seatbelts. Also, 97 percent of all crashes where seatbelts are used do not result in deaths.
It is not only important for truck drivers to worry about their own safety, but also the safety of others on the roadway. Truckers should follow safe driving practices as well. The traveling public may still be in danger of enduring injury due to truck driver fatigue in Missouri , truckers who drive drunk or distracted, and truck drivers who do not maintain their vehicles properly. The sheer size and weight of commercial trucks can make them a serious hazard to smaller vehicles.
If you are involved in a truck collision, you would be well-advised to contact a St. Louis truck accident injury lawyer immediately to ensure your rights are protected. Truck accidents can result in catastrophic injuries that could leave a person disabled for life. It is important to get prompt medical attention as well as legal representation to make sure that your rights and best interests are protected. If you or a loved one has been injured in a truck accident, please contact an experienced St. Louis truck accident attorney at Page Law by calling (314) 322-8515. We always offer a free consultation and comprehensive evaluation of your claim.
