The U.S. Department of Transportation’s Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) issued a new rule changing the seat belt rule for all occupants of a large commercial truck. The FMCSA says seat belt use will be required for all passengers of large commercial trucks whenever the vehicles are operated on public roads in interstate commerce. This is a change from the previous rule which only required the driver to wear a seat belt. The new rule becomes effective August 8, 2016.
“Seat belts save lives – period,” said U.S. Transportation Secretary Anthony Foxx. “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.”
According to the FMCSA’s press release a recent survey published in March of 2014 showed that only 73% of truck passengers wore seat belts compared to 84% of drivers. In 2014 37 passengers in CMV’s died in crashes due to not wearing their seat belt.
To read the complete rule click here
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