Many Truckers on Missouri Roadways Aren't Buckling Up

Study Shows Low Safety Belt Use Among Commercial Motor Vehicle Drivers

JEFFERSON CITY - Only about 59 percent of truckers on Missouri roadways are wearing their safety belts, according to a Missouri Department of Transportation study.   That's well below the 76 percent use rate for other Missouri drivers.

Federal law requires all commercial motor vehicle drivers to buckle up.

"It's surprising and disappointing to learn that so many people who drive for a living are not using their safety belts," said MoDOT Director Pete Rahn.   "If you are one of the truckers who choose not to wear a safety belt, I have a message for you.   Missouri wants you - no, needs you - to buckle up.   If you are involved in a crash, you cannot be fully in control of your truck unless you are wearing your safety belt."  

In 2003 crashes involving commercial motor vehicles, 32 truck drivers died.   More than half of them were not wearing safety belts.  

"The reality of it is that we all need to buckle up," said Rahn.   "It's about saving lives."

Missouri has developed a new campaign to increase safety belt use among commercial motor vehicle drivers.   MoDOT will work with drivers, trucking companies, law enforcement and the Missouri Motor Carriers Association to educate commercial drivers about the critical importance of wearing a safety belt.   Partners will provide safety belt messages at association meetings and events, rest areas, and at roadside inspection facilities in Missouri.