2005-23
NEWS RELEASE:   May 19, 2005
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
FROM:   The Kansas Highway Patrol
CONTACT:   LT John Eichkorn 785-296-6800
Megan Ingmire 785-296-6800

Patrol Reminds Drivers of Commercial Vehicles to Buckle Up

As summer travel approaches, the Kansas Highway Patrol is reminding commercial motor vehicle drivers of the importance of buckling up. Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) regulations require all commercial vehicle drivers to wear seat belts. The Federal Law, enacted in 1970, was focused on protecting the motoring public from commercial motor vehicle drivers that may lose control of their vehicles as a result of being unbuckled. Violation of these regulations is a primary offense which means drivers can be stopped and cited for this violation alone. Kansas’s law allows for the driver to be fined up to $500.00 for a safety belt violation.

“Summertime brings an increase in traffic and road construction to our roadways. The Kansas Highway Patrol urges all commercial motor vehicle drivers to always wear their seatbelt,” Superintendent Colonel William Seck said. “While it is the law, it also protects you and other motorists on the road. A seat belt can help you avoid losing control of your truck in a crash and reduces your chance of death or injury by up to 50 percent. Be responsible and buckle up.”

The most recent FMCSA (2003) survey showed only 48 percent of commercial motor vehicle drivers wear their seat belt, which is extremely low given the current national average of 80 percent for occupants of passenger vehicles. Common reasons given by some commercial motor vehicle drivers for not using a seat belt include uncomfortable seat belts restrict movement, good drivers don’t need protection, and the size of vehicles driven offers protection to occupants.

In Kansas, 2003 data indicates that 4,175 crashes and 70 fatalities occurred which involved large trucks. Large trucks were involved in 11.1% of the fatal crashes in Kansas.

In response to these statistics, members of the Patrol’s Motor Carrier Safety Assistance Program (MCSAP) have teamed up with members of the Kansas Department of Transportation, the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration and the Kansas Corporation Commission to enforce State and Federal laws and to educate drivers and motor carrier companies in Kansas on the importance of buckling up.

A special enforcement period aimed specifically at motor carrier drivers will begin on May 23, 2005, and end on June 9, 2005. This special enforcement period encompasses the Kansas “Click It or Ticket” enforcement period for all motorists and also includes the FMCSA National Safety Check period. Weigh stations and roadside enforcement at predetermined locations across Kansas will be conducted during this special enforcement period.

Nationally in 2003, 620 drivers of large trucks died in crashes and 309 of those drivers were not wearing seat belts. While most experienced commercial motor vehicle drivers do not cause collisions, it is important to remember that during a driver’s career, it is possible to be involved in a crash caused by another driver, inclement weather, or mechanical failure. Wearing a seat belt reduces injuries and fatalities by preventing ejection, and by protecting a motorist’s head and spinal cord.

FMCSA reports that 51 percent of truck-occupant-fatalities involve a rollover. A rollover in a large truck increases the likelihood of fatality by 30 times, however, a truck driver is 80 percent less likely to die when wearing a seat belt.

To prevent discomfort, a seat belt can be adjusted. Drivers can also find seat belt extenders for most domestic vehicles. A local truck dealer can help locate the correct seat belt extender for most commercial motor vehicles. Drivers must wear both the lap and shoulder belt. It is proven that by wearing both lap and shoulder belts, a driver is held securely behind the wheel in the event of a crash. This greatly increases the driver’s ability to maintain control of the vehicle and minimizes the chance for serious injury or death.

To find more information on seat belts and the importance of commercial motor vehicle drivers buckling up, visit www.fmcsa.dot.gov/safetybelt.