The 9 Top Myths About Seat Belts and Truck Drivers

Myth 1
Safety belts are uncomfortable and restrict movement.

Fact
A 2005 Transportation Research Board study on commercial drivers’ safety belt usage found many drivers do not find wearing safety belts to be uncomfortable or too restrictive of their movements. Once they correctly adjust the seat, lap and shoulder belt, most drivers find that discomfort and restrictive movement can be alleviated.

Myth 2
Wearing a safety belt is a personal decision that doesn’t affect anyone else.

Fact
Not wearing a safety belt can certainly affect your family and loved ones. It can also affect other motorists since wearing a safety belt can help you avoid losing control of your truck in a crash. It’s the law; Federal regulations require commercial vehicle drivers to buckle up. Myth 3 Safety belts prevent your escape from a burning or submerged vehicle. Fact Safety belts can keep you from being knocked unconscious, improving your chances of escape. Fire or submersion occurs in less than 5% of fatal large truck crashes. Myth 4 It’s better to be thrown clear of the wreckage in the event of a crash. Fact An occupant of a vehicle is four times as likely to be fatally injured when thrown from the vehicle. In 2004, 168 truck drivers died when they were ejected from their cabs during a crash. Myth 5 It takes too much time to fasten your safety belt 20 times a day. Fact Buckling up takes about three seconds. Even buckling up 20 times a day requires only one minute. Myth 6 Good truck drivers don’t need to wear safety belts. Fact Good drivers usually don’t cause collisions, but it’s possible that during your career you will be involved in a crash caused by a bad driver, bad weather, mechanical failure, or tire blowout. Wearing a safety belt prevents injuries and fatalities by preventing ejection, and by protecting your head and spinal cord. Myth 7 A large truck will protect you. Safety belts are unnecessary. Fact In 2004, 634 drivers of large trucks died in truck crashes and 303 of those truck drivers were not wearing safety belts. Myth 8 Safety belts aren’t necessary for low-speed driving. Fact In a frontal collision occurring at 30 mph, an unbelted person continues to move forward at 30 mph causing him/her to hit the windshield at about 30 mph. This is the same velocity a person falling from the top of a three story building would experience upon impact with the ground. Myth 9 A lap belt offers sufficient protection. Fact The lap and shoulder 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.

Department of Transportation, Jul 06, 2007

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