Long Haul Truck Drivers Need to Buckle Up

CDC study shows more than 1/3 of truckers who die in crashes were not wearing seat belts. About one in six truckers doesn’t wear a seat belt at all.

How big is this problem? Well, trucking is quickly becoming one of the largest occupations in the country. In fact, a recent study lists truck driving as America’s most common occupation, but this data may be slightly skewed by the omission of more ambiguous sales positions and the way that the government categorizes jobs, grouping all truck driving jobs together (from tractor trailer drivers to mail deliverers to garbage truck drivers) but those caveats notwithstanding, trucking is still a massive industry. Partly because it is one occupation that has not been automated or outsourced. And, it is needed everywhere; regardless of location or economic climate, food products and goods still need to be distributed across the country.

Unfortunately, a startling number of these drivers are not wearing seat belts when they get on the road. Granted, when crashes do occur, drivers in passenger vehicles are more likely to suffer serious injuries and death than drivers of large trucks. But truck driving is actually a rather dangerous occupation. In 2012, 26,000 truck drivers or their passengers were injured in crashes. Of that number, 700 died. Seat belt use could have saved 40% of them.

About a third of the truck drivers who reported not regularly using their seat belts worked for companies that did not have a written safety protocol system in place.

Seat belts are one of the easiest and most effective ways to save lives on the road and should be worn by all passengers and drivers, every trip, every time.

At Munley Law Personal Injury Attorneys, we have represented many truck drivers who were hurt in crashes involving other trucks. Behind the wheel of a large commercial vehicle, it’s easy to feel invincible. But that simply isn’t true. If you or a loved one have been injured in a tractor trailer crash or other truck accident, the experienced truck accident attorneys at Munley Law Personal Injury Attorneys can help. Whether you were injured as a truck driver, passenger, motorist, or pedestrian, we have the skills, knowledge, and resources to ensure that your rights are protected and that you receive everything that is owed to you. We do not collect a fee unless we win your case. And, we offer free consultations, so you risk nothing by coming to meet with one of our truck accident lawyers. Call us today at 855-866-5529.