On June 6, the FMCSA announced that passengers in large commercial trucks will be required to wear seat belts at all times while driving on public roads when the truck is being operated in interstate commerce.
The new rule will be effective on August 8, 2016. The final rule revises previous regulations and places the responsibility onto the driver for ensuring that passengers riding in large commercial trucks use their seat belts properly.
U.S. Transportation Secretary Anthony Foxx stated:
“Seat belts save lives – period. 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.”
The FMCSA hopes that the new rules will improve safety among truck passengers. According to the FMCSA website, in 2014, 37 passengers who were traveling in the cab of a large truck without seatbelts were killed in roadway crashes. Out of the 37, at least one-third were ejected from the truck’s cab.
Federal rules have long since required all commercial drivers to wear seat belts. According to the most recent survey, commercial motor vehicle passengers use seat belts at a lower rate (73%) than CMV drivers (84%).
FMCSA rule makers explain that the ruling is designed to enhance safety for truck drivers as well.
“This rule will increase the safety, not only of passengers, but also of CMV drivers whose control of the vehicle could otherwise be affected by unsecured passengers potentially thrown about the cab as a result of emergency steering or braking maneuvers.”
Click here to read the full text of the FMCSA’s final rule.
Better buckle up…