The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) soon will require passengers riding in large commercial trucks to use seat belts whenever the vehicles are operated on public roads in interstate commerce. Effective August 8, 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.
In 2014, 37 passengers traveling unrestrained in the cabs of large trucks 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.
FMCSA’s most recent Seat Belt Usage by Commercial Motor Vehicle (CMV) Drivers Survey, published in March 2014, found that commercial motor vehicle passengers use seat belts at a lower rate (73%) than CMV drivers (84%). Federal rules have long required all commercial drivers to use seat belts.
“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,” said FMCSA Acting Administrator Scott Darling. “This rule further protects large truck occupants and will undoubtedly save more lives.”
Click here to read a copy of the final rule.