Here at DriveTeam, we like to keep our students and clients up-to-date with the latest vehicle news in order to keep families and employees safe while on the road.
We periodically share important news, like the latest update from the U.S. Department of Transportation.
Last week, they announced that all passengers riding in large commercial trucks are required to use seat belts whenever the vehicles are operated on public roads in interstate commerce.
This ruling will take effect on August 8, 2016. From that point on, motor carriers and drivers will be held responsible for ensuring that passengers riding in large commercial trucks are using seat belts.
In 2014, 37 passengers traveling unrestrained in the cab of a large truck were killed in roadway crashes, according to the most recent data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). Of this number, approximately one-third were ejected from the truck cab.
Recent studies indicate that commercial motor vehicle (CMV) passengers use seat belts at a much lower rate than CMV drivers – 73% versus 84%, respectively. Federal rules have long required all commercial drivers to use seat belts.
We should also point out statistics that were announced earlier this year from a NETS motor vehicle study:
- Coca-Cola implemented a campaign to address seatbelt usage, which generated a 40% increase in usage. Wearing a seatbelt could be the difference between a fatal crash and one resulting in a non-fatal injury.
- Estimates place the cost of a fatal accident at $671,515 – a 34.3% increase that can have a major effect on a company’s bottom line.
You can click here to find the detailed seatbelt ruling from the DOT. And as always, if you have any questions, don’t hesitate to contact us with questions.