Indiana State Police Commercial Motor Vehicle Officers and Motor Carriers Inspectors will be participating in a statewide blitz September 24-30 that will concentrate on Commercial Motor Vehicle (CMV) seatbelt enforcement and education.
A goal for the Indiana State Police Commercial Motor Vehicle Division is to reduce the number of CMV crashes, which will also lower the number of injuries and fatalities related to those crashes. Education is a key component of this effort as troopers continue to emphasize to commercial vehicle carrier companies, their drivers and the drivers of passenger cars about the importance of voluntary compliance with seatbelt and traffic laws. It is an undisputed fact that proper seatbelt use reduces the possibility of injury or death the result of a crash.
Specific to commercial vehicle drivers, some operators are not properly wearing their seatbelt. “Unfortunately, we are finding – more often than not – that many CMV drivers are using a device on the shoulder strap portion of the safety belt that is designed to reduce tension on the shoulder,” stated Indiana State Police Commercial Vehicle Enforcement Division Commander Major Jon Smithers. “The loosening of the shoulder strap can compromise the effectiveness of the safety belt and is also in violation of the Indiana seatbelt law and Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations.”
Through continued education and enforcement of Indiana’s seatbelt laws, lives can be saved. While our stated goal is voluntary compliance, in those situations where a traffic ticket is warranted, commercial vehicle operators will be cited for seatbelt violations.
It is important to note that semi-tractors do not have any type of air bag safety system installed within the cab of the truck, as compared to airbag systems installed in modern passenger cars and pick-up trucks. Unsecured commercial truck drivers involved in crashes can be thrown out of the driver’s seat resulting in a secondary crash when the truck is not brought to a controlled stop.
More information on the Indiana State Police Commercial Vehicle Enforcement Division can be found at www.in.gov/isp. Click on the link “Commercial Vehicles.”
Safety Belt Facts and Tips:
Safety belts are proven to help drivers maintain control of the vehicle when involved in a crash, thus minimizing the chance of injury or death to you, your passengers, and other motorists.
Safety belts can prevent you from being knocked unconscious in a crash, improving yourchances of escape from a burning or submerged vehicle.
You are four times more likely to be fatally injuredwhen thrown from your vehicle the result of a crash. Your safety belt can keep you from being ejected.
Driver error, severe weather, mechanical failure, andtire blowouts can all cause crashes. Safety belts prevent injuries by protecting your head and spinal cord.
Safety belts are necessary even at low speeds.In a frontal collision at 30 mph, an unbelted commercial vehicle driver hits the windshield at that speed.
Seat, lap, and shoulder belts can be easily adjusted to fit comfortably and correctly.
Buckling up takes only about three seconds and can make a difference for a lifetime.
