There has been much focus in recent times on the road safety hazard presented by heavy trucks. One issue that appears to have received little attention for heavy truck occupants compared to light vehicle occupants is in crash protection for heavy truck drivers and passengers through use of seat belts. Seat belt use by heavy truck drivers became compulsory for the first time in NSW from 1 February 2000 as part of the move to national uniformity. Concerns were raised by the heavy truck industry about the removal of the exemption, and as a result the RTA commissioned research into the evidence around the safety benefits of seat belts and the current levels of use. The research looked at data from the NSW crashed vehicle study, Australian and overseas crash research, and also interviews will a small group of truck drivers. An observational survey of seat belt use by heavy truck occupants was also undertaken. The results will be presented, which overwhelmingly supported the safety value of seat belts for truck occupants, and the need to increase wearing rates. (Author/publisher) For the covering entry of this conference, please see ITRD abstract no. E209537. This paper may also be accessed by Internet users at: http://www.btre.gov.au/docs/atrf_02/program.html
Samenvatting