ACC Targets 50% Of Truck Drivers Who Don’t Wear Seat Belts

Research commissioned by ACC in 2006 has shown that in some areas up to 50% of truck drivers are not wearing seatbelts. And ACC is doing something about it.

“Many truck drivers seem to think they are better off being thrown out of a truck than being restrained within it during a crash. Nothing could be further from the truth. In reality, you’re four times more likely to die if thrown from a vehicle,” says Debbie Stearns, Programme Manager for ACC.

The 2006 survey by Research NZ, involving nearly 1,500 heavy goods vehicles weighing more than 3.5 tonnes, found truck driver seatbelt wearing rates of only 50% (slightly higher in inner city driving and slightly lower on inter-city trips).

“That result is of real concern. And frankly it’s not just about the truck drivers. Them not wearing seatbelts puts the rest of us at greater risk when they have an accident. They are more likely to lose control of the vehicle and crash into someone else.”

As part of the campaign, ACC will be giving out high-visibility seat belt covers, to help the Police more easily identify those people wearing seat belts. Police and the Commercial Vehicle Investigation Unit will also be stepping up their existing enforcement, issuing tickets to everyone caught without a seat belt fastened. This will be reinforced by messages on billboards, truck backs, radio and posters.

Similar campaigns in New Zealand and overseas have shown that a combination of education and enforcement is the best way to get a change in behaviour, so that’s the approach ACC and the Police will be taking.

Road Transport is one of ACC’s Safer Industries programmes. There are approximately 1700 claims relating to road freight each year at a total cost of about $15 million.

The campaign will kick off in February 2007.

Exploding some myths about seat belt use

Myth 1: “It’s better to be thrown clear of the wreckage in a crash.”
Fact: You are four times more likely to die if thrown from a vehicle.

Myth 2: “Seat belts may hamper your escape from a burning or submerged vehicle.”
Fact: Seat belts can help stop you being knocked unconscious, which improves your chance of escape. And less than 5% of fatal, large truck crashes involve a burning or submerged vehicle.

Myth 3: “It takes up too much time fastening your seat belt during the day.”
Fact: Buckling your seat belt takes about three seconds. So even if you buckle up 20 times a day, that’s just one minute in total!

Myth 4: “Good drivers don’t need to wear seat belts.”
Fact: If you’re a good driver, you may not cause a crash. But who’s to say you won’t be involved in a crash caused by a bad driver, or some other factor such as bad weather, mechanical failure or a blowout?

Myth 5: “A large truck offers plenty of protection – seat belts are unnecessary.”
Fact: In 2004, 634 drivers of large trucks in the USA died in crashes. And almost half of those drivers weren’t wearing seat belts.

Myth 6: “Seat belts aren’t necessary when driving at low speed.”
Fact: In a front-on crash at 30km/hour, an unbelted driver will continue to move forward after impact, hitting the windscreen at 30km/hour. That’s the same speed at which you’d hit the ground after falling from a three-storey building.

Myth 7: “A lap belt alone offers sufficient protection.”
Fact: The lap and shoulder belt design is much better at holding you securely behind the wheel during a crash, increasing your ability to maintain control of the vehicle, and minimising the chance of injury or death.

Myth 8: “Seat belts are uncomfortable and restrict movement.”
Fact: Provided the seatbelt is correctly adjusted, there should be no discomfort or restriction of movement.

Myth 9: “Whether I wear a seat belt or not is my personal decision. It doesn’t affect anyone else.”
Fact: If you’re injured or killed because you weren’t wearing a seat belt that will certainly affect your family, friends and loved ones! It can also affect other motorists, too, since wearing a seat belt can help you avoid losing control of your truck in a crash.

ENDS

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