Many people mistakenly assume that seatbelt laws are only for personal protection. However, wearing a seatbelt also keeps others safe by helping drivers maintain control of their vehicles, and preventing passengers from becoming projectiles in the event of an accident. For these reasons, commercial truck drivers are required by law to wear seatbelts, according to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration.
Unfortunately, professional truckers often become complacent. They may drive while fatigued or otherwise behave recklessly. If you or a loved one was injured due to a truck driver’s negligence, contact the Crosson Law Group, LLC.
Ken Crosson is a Marietta truck accident attorney who can evaluate your accident, gather evidence, structure your claim and handle settlement negotiations. He has the experience to litigate your case if it goes to trial.
Call 678-909-0770 to schedule a free consultation. You can also find more information about truck accident laws in Georgia by visiting truck-accident.usattorneys.com/georgia/.
Read on to learn nine seatbelt myths that are prevalent in the trucking industry:
Myth 1: Seatbelts are restrictive and make movement uncomfortable.
When you wear a seatbelt correctly, it makes moving easier and the driving experience more comfortable. Improperly wearing a seatbelt, however, can feel restrictive, so be sure to adjust the lap and shoulder straps.
Myth 2: Wearing a seatbelt is a personal choice that does not affect other people.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, seatbelt use is not a personal choice; it is the law. Seatbelts make it easier to control your truck. This can prevent accidents with other vehicles, bicyclists or pedestrians.
Myth 3: Seatbelts prevent escape from water or fire.
Seatbelts offer additional protection for your head and spinal column, which reduces the risk of unconsciousness or paralysis. As a result, wearing a seatbelt can increase your chance of survival in an accident involving fire or water.
Myth 4: You have a better chance of surviving if ejected during an accident.
You are four times more likely to die in an accident if ejected from the vehicle. If you survive, then your truck may continue moving uncontrollably, which can lead to substantial property damage and injuries.
Myth 5: Truckers spend too much time buckling up.
It takes just three seconds to fasten your seatbelt. It will take one minute out of your day if you do this 20 times. That one minute can save your life and the lives of others.
Myth 6: Seatbelts are for amateurs and not for experienced drivers.
Although experienced drivers are less likely to cause accidents, they are not immune to the dangers of the road. Nobody can control the actions of other motorists, and if another driver causes an accident, your seatbelt could save your life.
Myth 7: Large trucks offer enough protection without seatbelts.
Although truck drivers are safer than occupants of passenger vehicles, this does not excuse the need to wear a seatbelt. They help truckers maintain control of their vehicles, prevent ejection and can prevent serious injuries.
Myth 8: You do not need a seatbelt if you drive slowly.
Slow speed does not protect you from injuries. If you crash at 30 mph, then you will continue moving forward at the same speed. You could hit your head at 30 mph, which is roughly the same as falling out of a third-story window.
Myth 9: A lap belt offers enough protection; a shoulder belt is unnecessary.
A lap belt will hold your lower body in place, but your head and spine will continue moving forward. Using only a lap belt can worsen spine injuries because it may force the vertebrae apart in high impact situations. Be sure to use both a lap and shoulder belt.
If you were injured in a truck accident that was not your fault, contact the Crosson Law Group, LLC. Ken Crosson is a truck accident lawyer in Marietta who can help you avoid mistakes such as settling for an amount that will not cover your future medical expenses. He is a member of the State Bar of Georgia and the State Bar of Virginia, as well as the bars of the Federal District Court for the Northern District of Georgia and the Supreme Court of Georgia. Call 678-909-0770 to schedule a consultation.