Seatbelt Use among Truckers

Seatbelts are a legally required feature in most kinds of car and truck, and many states have laws mandating their use. Despite this, drivers who do not wear their seatbelts remain a persistent problem – especially truck drivers. Even though accidents involving commercial trucks tend to be far more disastrous than those involving smaller vehicles, an alarming 2003 study by the Department of Transportation found that less than 50% of truck drivers used their seatbelts.

If you own or manage a commercial trucking company, seatbelt use is just one of the many details you have to worry about. If collecting on your clients’ bills is another major worry, it may be time to see what a trucking factor can do for you. To learn more, call TBS Factoring Services, LLC at 1-800-207-7661.

The Importance of Seatbelt Use

Since the initial 2003 study revealed the problem, the DOT and the American Trucking Association have been working hard to increase seatbelt use among truckers. Fortunately, they have been making good progress over the years; according to the DOT, seatbelt use among truckers had risen to 72% among commercial drivers and 62% of independent truck drivers.

However, many public health officials believe we can and should do better. A functioning seatbelt is a vital safety measure in the event of a collision or rollover accident. The usefulness of seatbelts has been clearly shown in many studies:

• The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration reported in 2001 that seatbelts can increase the survival rate of fatal motor vehicle accidents for other passengers from 44% to 73%.
• Another NHTSA study revealed that seatbelt use can reduce your chances of being ejected from a motor vehicle to 1%. Such ejections are fatal about ¾ of the time.
• Researchers from James Madison University have estimated that 17,000 car accident fatalities could be prevented every year by seatbelt use.

To put it bluntly, not wearing a seatbelt is taking a risk with your life. If you have not done so already, talk to your drivers about the effectiveness of seatbelts and the importance of using them.

Contact a Trucking Factor

Between safety issues, the economy, and the everyday stressors of running a business, truck company owners have enough to worry about without waiting weeks to get paid for their work. To discuss getting the money you are owed today, contact a freight factoring agent from TBS Factoring Services, LLC at 1-800-207-7661.