Do or Die: Seatbelts save truckies too
Compulsory seatbelt use for heavy vehicle drivers was introduced on 1 February 2000, however, seatbelt wearing rates are still low.
In the early 1970's, compulsory car occupant seatbelt use saw wearing rates increase from 25 per cent to around 90 per cent in the first two years. However, there hasn't been a similar level of increase for heavy vehicle drivers and passengers. The deadly result is that, on average in NSW, only eight per cent of heavy truck drivers killed were wearing a seatbelt.
It's not safer to jump
There is poor knowledge in the trucking industry about how effective seatbelts are for heavy vehicle occupants.
Myth:
- It's safer to jump free of a crash than be restricted by wearing a seatbelt.
Fact:
- Truck drivers have a 50 per cent better chance of surviving a potentially fatal crash if they are wearing a seatbelt.
Also, some heavy vehicle drivers may be unaware that the law now requires them to wear a seatbelt.
Do or Die: Seatbelts save truckies too
The campaign aims to increase rates of heavy vehicles driver and passenger seatbelt use by:
- Increasing driver understanding that seatbelts increase their chance of surviving a crash.
- Attacking the myth that it's safer to jump free in an accident.
- Making operators and drivers aware of the legal requirement to wear a seatbelt.
- Increasing operators’ awareness of their responsibilities under the Occupation Health and Safety (OH&S) legislation.
- Encouraging employers to fit appropriate seatbelts to their vehicles where necessary.
It targets truck drivers and fleet operators separately with campaign materials developed for each of these target groups.