Commercial truck passengers now required to wear seat belts

by Truck News

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Buckle up! The US Department of Transportation’s Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration announced today that passengers riding in large commercial trucks will be required to use seat belts whenever the vehicles are operated on public roads in interstate commerce.

The rule will come into effect on  August 8, 2016. The new rule holds motor carriers and drivers responsible for ensuring that passengers riding in large commercial trucks are using seat belts.

“Seat belts save lives – period,” said US Transportation secretary Anthony Foxx. “Whether you’re a driver or passenger, in a personal vehicle or large truck, the simple act of wearing a safety belt significantly reduces the risk of fatality in a crash.”

 Statistics show that in 2014, 37 passengers travelling without seat belts 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.

“Using a seat belt is one of the safest, easiest, and smartest choices drivers and passengers can make before starting out on any road trip,” added FMCSA acting administrator Scott Darling. “This rule further protects large truck occupants and will undoubtedly save more lives.”

 To read the final rule, click here.


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