May 17, 2007

EAST LANSING. Just like all other motorists, truck drivers are reminded to wear their safety belt, especially during the nationwide Buckle Up or Pay Up, Click It or Ticket mobilization that begins on Monday, May 21.

Even though Michigan enjoys the benefits of an all-time high safety belt use rate of 94.3 percent for safety belt use in passenger cars, the usage rate for truck drivers in Michigan, and nationally, is significantly lower.

A 2006 study conducted by Wayne State University found that 74 percent of truck drivers in Michigan wear their safety belt; however, only 66 percent of local truck drivers buckle up. Nationally, studies show that only about 59 percent of drivers who operate large trucks wear their safety belt.

"Truck drivers in Michigan are being put on notice that Michigan State Police (MSP) motor carrier officers will be taking a zero tolerance approach with respect to unbelted truck drivers," stated Colonel Peter C. Munoz, director of the MSP. "We know that safety belt use saves lives, and truck drivers are no exception."

In 2005, there were 176 truck drivers killed after being ejected from their vehicle during a crash. Of those, 136 (or 77 percent) were unbelted.

For more information on the Commercial Motor Vehicle Safety Belt Partnership, visit the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration at www.fmcsa.dot.gov/safety-security/safety-belt/index.htm.

FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:
Lieutenant David W. Ford, MSP Traffic Safety Division, (517) 336-6449

Read more news releases from the Michigan State Police.