The U.S. Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) recently released the results of its annual Safety Belt Usage by CMV Drivers Survey. Based on data collected in 2009, the survey revealed that 74 percent of commercial motor vehicle drivers are now wearing their safety belts regularly – a 9 percent rise from 2007. The survey examined the habits of 20,818 drivers of commercial trucks and buses who stopped at 217 different checkpoints throughout the United States.
The survey also found a number of interesting facts related to safety belt use. Truck drivers and other commercial drivers were 11 percent more likely to wear their safety belts and ensure passengers were wearing safety belts in states with primary safety belt laws. In these states, 78 percent of commercial drivers wore their safety belts, compared with only 67 percent of drivers in states without primary safety belt laws.
Also, 78 percent of drivers employed by regional or national trucking companies wore their safety belts, but only 64 percent of self-employed truck drivers did. Drivers in the western U.S. were most likely to wear their safety belts: 79 percent of them were buckled up, while in the Northeast only 64 percent of drivers went buckled.
Wearing a safety belt is one of the simplest things a driver of any vehicle can do in order to improve safety and reduce the chances of serious injury in a crash. Unfortunately, while seat belts can and do save lives, they cannot prevent all injuries. If you or a loved one has been injured in a collision with a large truck, please get in touch with a Missouri truck crash attorney at Page Law. Our experienced lawyers will examine the details of your case and help you hold negligent parties accountable. Call Page Law today at (314) 322-8515 for a free and confidential consultation.
