Seat belt policy for truck drivers. Seat belt use in passenger vehicles saved an estimated 14,955 lives in 2017. 1 Most crash-related deaths in the United States occur to drivers and passengers. Men driving trucks big rigs and pickups are the biggest offenders when it comes to breaking passenger May 20, 2025 · The U. Many Americans understand the lifesaving value of the seat belt – the national use rate was at 91. Sep 25, 2023 · The law generally mandates the use of seat belts for drivers and passengers in most types of vehicles, including Heavy Goods Vehicles (HGVs). Stay safe on the road—don’t forget to buckle up! Before the driver moves the vehicle, visually inspect footwear to verify that it is free from mud, oil, or any other slippery material to prevent slippage off the pedals. Set a realistic goal for the number of miles that you can drive safely each day. Hours of service policies are crucial, limiting driving hours to prevent fatigue and ensure compliance with legal standards. However, there are some exceptions where the driver may not be required to wear a seat belt. 208, "Occupant crash protection," to require a seat belt use warning system for rear seats. Seat Belt Use Despite decades of public information campaigns, laws, policies, and efforts of government and non-government organizations, more than half of the people who die in vehicle crashes annually were not wearing a seat belt at the time of the crash. Graham Trucking's seat belt policy is in accord with federal regulations which require the use of seat belts while driving any commercial Apr 30, 2015 · South African Law on Wearing of Seatbelts The South African Law on Seatbelts can be found in Regulation 213 of the National Road Traffic Act. This policy applies to employees, independent contractor truck drivers, and those who operate other company vehicles. The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration’s (FMCSA) campaign, Y I Buckle Up, seeks to remind CMV drivers of all the reasons why buckling up is so necessary. The South African Law on Seatbelts can be found in Regulation 213 of the National Road Traffic Act. The following table lists the heavy truck brands (GVM greater than 16 tonne), that have available an integrated seat belt with the driver’s suspension seat, which eliminates one of the excuses for not wearing a seat belt. In road safety, adherence to seat belt regulations is a crucial factor in reducing injuries and fatalities among commercial truck drivers. The Act stipulates as follows: Seatbelts Reg 213. 3 Yet millions do not buckle up on every trip. The simple act of buckling up reduces the chance of serious injury or death by 40% to 60% and can save money for (authority/city/county). Jun 6, 2016 · Effective August 8, 2016, the final rule revises Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations and holds motor carriers and drivers responsible for ensuring that passengers riding in large commercial trucks are using seat belts. For vehicles built on or after July 1, 1971, the seat belts must comply with the Failure to comply with Sample Trucking Company’s Seat Belt and Occupant Restraint Policy will be considered a violation of company policy. Sample Seat Belt Policy (Company Name) recognizes that seat belts are extremely effective in preventing injuries and fatalities in motor vehicle accidents. When a driver and each passenger in a vehicle are not wearing a seat belt, there is the real risk of being ejected from the vehicle upon a sudden stop or a crash. Of the 188 drivers killed who were ejected from their vehicles, almost 80% were not wearing safety belts. ____________________ has declared that all passengers, including the driver, riding in a vehicle owned Download or preview 3 pages of PDF version of Sample seatbelt policy (DOC: 30. Mar 22, 2024 · Large Truck Driver Fatalities, 2017–2021 (Source: FMCSA) How safety belts help protect drivers In a crash, a safety belt keeps the driver in place behind the steering wheel and in control of the vehicle while the vehicle absorbs the impact of the crash and decelerates, which prevents or reduces the consequences of an accident. All drivers and passengers operating or riding in company vehicles must wear seat belts. (1) For the purpose of this regulation— (a) an adult is a person over the age of 14 years or taller than one comma five metres; (b) a child is a person between the age of three years and 14 years Jan 3, 2025 · Summary This document amends Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) No. Managers and supervisors are encouraged to promote and provide time for employee awareness programs to explain the benefits of seat belts both on- and off-the-job. Department of Transportation’s National Highway Traffic Safety Administration today finalized a rule requiring seat belt use warnings for rear seats and enhanced warnings for driver and front passenger seats, a significant action aimed at increasing seat belt use and preventing injury and death in a crash. I, (Employee Name), have received a copy of (Company Name) safety belt policy. 2 For adults and older children (who are big enough for seat belts to fit properly), seat belt use is one of the most effective ways to save lives and reduce injuries in crashes. But here's t Federal law has required professional truck drivers to wear seat belts since 1970, and a record 86% of professional drivers use safety belts, the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) reported. In a rollover, a truck driver is 80% less likely to die when wearing a safety belt. Statistics prove buckling up is essential for protection. According to FMCSA data, the proper use of seat belts can significantly reduce the number of deaths among truck drivers. In 2006, 805 drivers and occupants of large trucks died in truck crashes and 393 of these were not wearing safety belts. This applies to all personally-owned, company-owned, leased, and rented vehicles. Mar 20, 2014 · In 2006, 703 drivers of large trucks died in truck crashes and 314 of those drivers were not wearing safety belts. Involving workers in decisions about how to put seat belt programs in place. CMV drivers who use a mobile phone while driving can only use a hands-free phone located in close proximity. 49 CFR 392. See 49 CFR 393. All [Company Name’s] employees, contractors, and their passengers are required to use a seatbelt when traveling in any vehicle while in the course of conducting company business. Vehicle & Driver Policy Sample COMPANY NAME deeply values the safety and well-being of all employees. 1. It will help reduce costs and the possibility of accidents as well as assure compliance with regulations. Without question, a safety belt is the most important in-cab safety device that will protect an occupant in the event of a sudden stop or crash. Safety regulations are paramount, ensuring drivers follow protocols to prevent accidents and maintain road safety. Jun 15, 2024 · The new handbook, based on insights from fleet managers, drivers, and public and private sector leaders, highlights the importance of consistent seat belt use and offers practical guidance to enhance safety measures. Due to the risk of motor vehicle accidents resulting from traffic congestion, unsafe driving habits, road conditions and driver distraction, COMPANY NAME is improving its safe driving program. Good news: A record number (86%) of professional drivers wear their seatbelts, according to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration(FMCSA). Factors such as long hours on the road, restricted movement, and time pressure May 24, 2013 · We all know seatbelts save lives, but some truck drivers seem to think it’s only other people’s lives that need saving – how else would you explain the stubborn refusal by so many to belt up as a matter of routine? Figures are hard to come by, but in 2009 the Department for Transport (DfT) suggested that the wear rate of seatbelts in trucks was only about 30%. May 22, 2025 · In 2020 alone, nearly half of all large truck occupants not wearing a seat belt in fatal crashes died. Not wearing a safety belt is like rejecting a free insurance policy, as highlighted by FMCSA. Understand the potentially fatal consequences of not wearing a seat belt and learn what you can do to make sure you and Checklist for Driver Policy A driver safety program is desirable for any size fleet. I also pledge that SEAT BELT POLICY – SAMPLE 1 1. Mar 7, 1996 · Question 4: If seat belts are installed on forklift trucks, is it required for the seat belts to be worn? If so, under what standard and section is this addressed? Response: National consensus standard ASME B56. Establishing and enforcing driver safety policies, including requiring everyone in the truck to buckle up. Therefore, we are implementing the following seat belt use policy: May 1, 2010 · Using seat belts in goods vehicles: advice and guidance on legal standards. In this blog post, we’ll discuss some of the most Aug 22, 2024 · The top four safety policies that every fleet should have cover journey management, distracted driving, seat belts, and drugs and alcohol. Mar 20, 2014 · It is (Company Name) policy that every operator of our equipment and all occupants of any vehicle must wear safety belts while on company business. The failure to wear a seat belt results in more motor vehicle fatalities in North Dakota May 1, 2010 · In general, commercial motor vehicles must be equipped with seats, seat belt assemblies, seat belt anchors, seat belt warning systems, and other specifications regulating occupant crash protection. Federal regulations and most state laws require drivers to wear safety belts. 0 KB | PDF: 113. 3 Requirements While Driving CMVs (Part 392) 49 CFR 392 discusses requirements, such as those related to illness and fatigue, drug and alcohol use, and seat belt use, for anyone driving a commercial motor vehicle (CMV). This study estimates the prevalence of seat belt use and identifies factors associated with nonuse of seat belts among long-haul truck drivers (LHTDs), a group of workers at high risk for fatalities resulting from truck crashes. The need for seat belt use among professional truck drivers is not only required by law, but it is imperative for one’s safety. (1) For the purpose of this regulation— (a) an adult is a person over the age of 14 years or taller than one comma five metres; (b) a child is a person between the age of three years and 14 years, except where such person is taller than one Aug 21, 2022 · The forklift seat belt is an essential safety item, so it's important to wear it properly. NHTSA estimates this new rule will prevent more than 500 injuries and save Aug 1, 2025 · The initiative launched Thursday and targets a very specific demographic: male pickup truck drivers ages 18-55. The ranking occupant, if other than the driver, shares this responsibility. Rollover in a large truck increases the likelihood of fatality by 30 times. This also applies to the operation of privately owned or other vehicles if used on-duty. They also require trucks and truck tractors manufactured on or after January 1, 1965, to be equipped with a safety belt assembly, meeting requirements specified in Federal regulations. Legal Penalties Legal penalties for commercial driver seat belt violations serve as a deterrent and underscore the importance of complying with safety regulations. Be well-rested before driving. Seat belts restrain occupants in the vehicle’s designed protective space, giving them room to live in the event of a crash and prevents them from colliding with other occupants in the vehicle. May 13, 2024 · Troopers patrolling the highways are vigilant in enforcing seat belt regulations, pulling over truck drivers without their seat belts, according to John Sova, a CVSA roadside inspection specialist. 93 for complete regulations on seat belts. Overview One of the safest choices drivers and passengers can make is to buckle up. ), should be implemented to enhance the safe operation of company vehicles, and/or personal vehicles on company business. The First Law of Mar 20, 2014 · Drivers: The driver of the vehicle is responsible for enforcing safety belt use of all occupants. 16 requires that commercial drivers wear a seat belt. Apr 12, 2013 · Buckling up is proven to be one of the easiest and most effective ways to stay safe while navigating the highways. On this page, we will be covering both the need to wear seat belts and seat belt laws. Feb 10, 2024 · When Swift had driver cams. Exception for Long Life Vehicles: In instances when the shoulder belt prevents the driver from reaching to provide delivery or collection from curbside mailboxes, only the shoulder belt may be unfastened. Apr 1, 2019 · Consider providing having a company seat belt life insurance policy for drivers as an incentive for them to wear their seat belt. Creating a Formal Seat Belt Policy: Help your drivers stay safer in case of an accident. These exceptions could include: Reversing or supervising a learner driver while they are reversing. This risky behavior increases the likelihood of severe injuries or fatalities in accidents. Report any mechanical difficulties or repair needs to _____________________ Drivers are responsible for the security of Company vehicles being used by them. Drivers or passengers not wearing a seat belt can be stopped and cited under the primary enforcement provision of California Vehicle Code Section 27315. Nov 1, 2007 · QUESTION: Does your department have a written seat belt policy? Who is responsible for enforcing it? How can we get firefighters to wear seat belts? Apr 18, 2024 · Garbage truck drivers and companies play a crucial role in maintaining the cleanliness and hygiene of our communities. Commercial truck drivers are among the most likely to drive without a seat belt, and they could be costing your company thousands or even millions of dollars every year. Bottom line: if you are in the driver seat and are going to move the truck, you should have the seat belt on. Dec 6, 2023 · A sample policy regarding the proper use of company vehicles. See full list on federalregister. Jan 7, 2015 · Policy Statement [insert entity] recognizes that seat belts are an important and effective item of personal protective equipment that reduce injury to motor vehicle operators and occupants and that reducing injuries can strengthen our effectiveness. A new FMCSA rule restricts the use of all hand-held mobile devices by drivers of commercial motor vehicles (CMVs). Because seat belts are the best protection against injury or death in a crash, a (authority/city/county) seat belt use policy is extremely important. While an estimated 14% of CMV drivers do not wear their seat belts, we must recognize the many drivers who prioritize safety by always buckling up. The policy would pay the driver’s beneficiary if they are killed in an accident while driving your truck and wearing the seat belt. Aug 26, 2024 · Policy content should also prohibit tampering with or disabling any lights, alarms or other warning devices that indicate a seat is occupied but the seat belt isn’t latched. “Seat belts save lives – period,” said U. Seat belts save lives and thereby can help reduce the cost of truck insurance. It also identifies requirements that apply to carriers, brokers, and other parties in the logistics chain. Wear the safety glasses and dust mask when you are operating “open-top” equipment. While many drivers know that wearing a seat belt is an important part of road safety, almost 14% of CMV drivers don’t buckle up. The vehicle engine must be shut off, ignition keys removed, and vehicle doors and tool boxes locked whenever the vehicle is left unattended. The lap belt must remain fastened at all times the vehicle is in motion (812. Mar 5, 2025 · 1. Wear the seat belt if the vehicle that you are driving is designed with a seat belt for you. Motor vehicle crashes are a leading cause of death among those aged 1-54 in the U. Dec 16, 2024 · The U. Consequences for violating Sample Trucking Company’s Seat Belt and Occupant Restraint Policy will be disciplinary action leading up to and including termination in accordance with Sample Trucking Company’s progressive discipline policy. But this simple routine is one many truck drivers still have yet to embrace. Any employee found operating or riding in a company vehicle, or personal vehicle on company business without seat belts/shoulder harnesses fastened will be subject to disciplinary action, up to and including termination. Adherence to the seat belt policy is a leading indicator in the prevention of workplace driving-related injuries and fatalities. The board is responsible for: Reviewing accidents and employer’s overall driver safety record to determine if there should be changes in policy or procedure; or if other corrective action (such as training, equipment changes, etc. This rulemaking restricts a CMV driver from holding a mobile device to make a call, or dialing by pressing more than a single button. Establish and enforce company safety policies, including seat belt use requirements for truck drivers and passengers, as well as bans on text messaging and use of handheld cell phones. May 20, 2025 · The U. The benefits of buckling up are clear: it helps keep a driver or vehicle occupant safe and securely inside a vehicle and reduces serious Commercial Motor Vehicle Safety Belt Use in 2013—Overall Results The Seat Belt Usage by Commercial Motor Vehicle Drivers (SBUCMVD) Survey showed that the overall safety belt usage rate for drivers of all medium and heavy duty trucks and buses rose from 78% in 2010 to a new high of 84% in 2013. May 7, 2024 · Safety experts and regulators have for years been alerting truck drivers about the dangers of not wearing seat belts, and the results have been tragic for those who did not heed the warnings. 1-1993 requires that use of an operator restraint system when equipped on a powered industrial truck. Mar 3, 2015 · To increase seat belt use and reduce drowsy and distracted driving, employers can establish and enforce comprehensive safety programs with belt-use requirements, emphasize belt use in training and safety meetings, schedule adequate rest periods, and prohibit texting or using a handheld phone while driving. Learn about the key OSHA requirements for tow truck drivers. US Fleet Policy: Seat Belts and Child Safety Restraints All authorized drivers and passengers must properly wear a safety belt while driving or riding in the company vehicle. SEAT BELT POLICY – SAMPLE 1 1. According to FMCSA, safety belt use remains one of the cheapest, easiest and most important means to protect commercial motor vehicle drivers. My defense to my dispatcher was like "I as only moving 10 feet, less than 1 MPH, and the bumping shock would Jun 12, 2024 · A federal survey on seat belt use by truck drivers follows recent fatality data showing many are not buckling up. A sample safe driving for work policy Here is an example of a Safe Driving Policy which you can amend to suit the requirements of your business. Jun 1, 2024 · Uncover the facts about seat belt safety in trucking. 52% of truck-occupant-fatalities in large trucks involve a rollover. The call to action is simple: always wear your seat belt because they help save lives. 4 Drivers may not operate CMVs without first properly restraining themselves and all passengers with a seat belt, if the vehicle is equipped with seat belts. docx (60. Specifications may vary based on a vehicle’s model year. This guide covers safety standards, rigging equipment, and best practices for safe towing. Department of Transportation’s National Highway Traffic Safety Administration today launched its annual Click It or Ticket seat belt high-visibility enforcement campaign, urging drivers and passengers to always buckle up and reminding them of the potentially deadly consequences of not wearing a seat belt. Jan 31, 2025 · Facts About Seat Belt Use At a glance Wearing a seat belt is the most effective way to prevent injury or death in crashes for adults and older children. Aug 2, 2024 · Truck drivers often don’t wear seat belts due to discomfort and perceived inconvenience. Use a seat belt during every trip, no matter how short. Mar 18, 2014 · The 2005 Transportation Research Board study on commercial drivers' safety belt use found many drivers do not find wearing safety belts to be uncomfortable or restrictive of their movements. The survey is a nationally representative field data collection program that pro-vides estimates of Example Truck Driver (General) Policies In the transportation industry, truck drivers commonly adhere to several key company policies. 3 KB ) for free. Wearing a seat belt can reduce serious crash-related injuries and death by approximately 50%. 34 Appendix Glossary Writing SMART Goals Components for High-Performing Safety Vehicles with a Focus on Seat Belt Safety Seat Belt Safety Driver Feedback Form Rewards and Recognition Program to Improve Seat Belt Safety Outcomes Seat Belt Usage Survey How to Use this Guide A safety belt, often referred to as a seat belt, is a harness designed to secure occupants inside the vehicle, and you have to buckle up to use it. 6. This safety program applies to all employees who operate a motor vehicle on company business and/or Sep 14, 2022 · CMV Seat Belt Toolkit Documents Document FMCSA_2022 CMV Seat Belt Campaign_Talking Points_FINAL_2022. Drivers may not operate CMVs without first properly restraining themselves and all passengers with a seat belt, if the vehicle is equipped with seat belts. 3). . Passengers in a commercial vehicle designed to carry property must also wear seat belts. Vehicle maintenance policies Therefore, all employees of our company must wear seat belts when operating a company-owned vehicle, or any vehicle on company premises or on company business; and all occupants are to wear seat belts or, where appropriate, child restraints when riding in a company-owned vehicle, or in a personal vehicle being used for company business. These penalties can range from fines to points assessed against a driver’s commercial driver’s license (CDL). In this post we'll cover forklift seat belt requirements. Employees will be required to sign a pledge to use seat belts as a condition of employment. Truck drivers accounted for 46% of these deaths. Stay Safe Use a seat belt at all times – driver and passenger(s). Communicate this critical safety need with the educational materials below, available for download and sharing. 2% in 2024. Children must be placed and restrained in accordance with applicable child restraint laws. Seat belts reduce serious crash-related injuries and deaths by about half. Encouraging Driving Health and Wellness for Businesses: Driver fatigue can increase the likelihood of accidents. 93) requires seat belts on trucks, truck tractors, and buses manufactured on or after January 1, 1965. Employers should review their operational procedures to ensure that the procedures are not causing or contributing to distracted driving. ____________________ has declared that all passengers, including the driver, riding in a vehicle owned Employers should implement and enforce mandatory seat belt use policies. I hereby pledge that I will use safety belts whenever driving or riding in a company vehicle or in any other vehicle when on company business. To ensure the safety of drivers and the general public, it’s essential for garbage truck drivers and companies to follow certain safety guidelines. It also requires drivers to consistently wear them. I fully understand the company's penalty for violation of this policy. FMCSA's "Buckle Up" campaign supports and protects large truck and bus drivers, as well as vehicle occupants, by reminding drivers always to buckle up. Apr 15, 2014 · Answer: Yes. Better news: New driver-assist technology, like lane departure warning systems, continues to reduce the risk of accidents for truck drivers. A seat belt also keeps the driver correctly positioned behind the wheel to help maintain control of a vehicle. May 28, 2025 · Not wearing a seat belt is a contributing factor to roadway fatalities. I have read the company policy and have had the opportunity to ask questions. Safety policies are paramount, emphasizing the use of seat belts, adherence to speed limits, and regular vehicle inspections to ensure road safety. The data analysis used data collected in two separate studies to assess seat belt use rates and explore the relationship between seat belt use and environmental, roadway, vehicle, and driver factors. Transportation Secretary Anthony Foxx. Focus on your drivers’ health and wellness with these tips. However, their job comes with its own set of challenges and risks. About 23,000 large truck occupants suffered nonfatal injuries in crashes; of these, 4,000 were seriously injured. Apr 10, 2023 · Many safe driving rules may seem obvious—like wearing a seat belt, for example—but a safe driver policy should be clear, direct, and list every requirement that your organization identifies as being necessary to safely operate a vehicle. Despite clear safety regulations and known benefits of seat belts, many drivers prioritize convenience over safety. 1 Safety Belt Use for CMV Drivers is the Law company must consider the legal consequences of not insisting drivers wear a safety belt. All drivers and passengers operating or riding in a company vehicle must wear seat belts, even if air bags are available. Safety belts, especially lap-shoulder belts, spread the stress Nov 20, 2023 · Example Truck Driver Policies In the transportation industry, truck drivers commonly adhere to several key company policies. Whether you have one truck, five company service vans or a yard of tractor trailers, your company should have a written driver safety program. 81 KB) Document Sep 30, 2019 · The FMCSA has laws in place that mandate seatbelts in commercial vehicles built after a certain year. It is crucial for truck drivers to wear seat belts due to the high risk of severe injuries or fatalities in collisions involving large trucks. 93 of the FMCSRs (49 CFR 393. The rule also updates and enhances the current seat belt warning requirements for the driver's seat belt and extends these requirements to the front outboard passenger seat. Drivers are responsible for the security of company vehicles assigned to them. Avoid taking medications that make you drowsy. I got caught sans seat belt just to back into a trailer. Employers can help truck drivers stay safe by: Committing to driver safety programs at the highest level of leadership. For vehicles built on or after January 1, 1965, but before July 1, 1971, the seat belts must comply with the FMCSRs in effect on the date of manufacture. S. Section 393. The bump caused an "event" and my dispatcher called me into the office for a finger wagging. Mandatory Safety Belt Policy To assure the safety of all personnel, safety belts shall be worn by drivers and passengers in all vehicles owned, leased or rented by NAME of YOUR COMPANY at all times. Build a fleet seat belt policy with these tips. gov No driver shall operate a commercial motor vehicle, and a motor carrier shall not require or permit a driver to operate a commercial motor vehicle, that has a seat belt assembly installed at the driver's seat unless the driver is properly restrained by the seat belt assembly. Driver Training All drivers and line managers will undergo safety belt use training that includes information about wearing lap and shoulder belts. Dec 28, 2024 · Penalties for Non-Compliance California enforces its seat belt laws through a penalty system designed to encourage adherence and enhance road safety. This policy applies to anyone who drives as part of their work, whether driving their own vehicle or one provided by the company. You don’t need a seat belt: According to the FMCSA, in 2006, 805 drivers and occupants of large trucks died in truck crashes and 393 were not wearing safety belts. 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