Seat-Belt Use by Truckers Increases

A U.S. Department of Transportation study said 59% of Class 7 and 8 truck drivers are now wearing safety belts, up from 54% last year. Since 2003, safety-belt use among commercial vehicle drivers has improved by 23%, or 11 percentage points, the study said.

For the major national or regional fleets, the usage rate rose significantly, to 75% this year from 63% in 2005. Usage rates among independent drivers rose to 44% in 2006 versus 41% last year.

This year, the drivers of combination trucks displaying a hazmat placard had the highest usage rate. A copy of the report can be found at www.fmcsa.dot.gov/safetybelt.


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