Tyler Accident Attorney Debunks 9 Truck Driver Seatbelt Myths

According to Section 392.16 of the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations, commercial motor vehicle drivers must wear seatbelts. Safety belts not only protect the driver in the event of an accident, but they also keep other road users safe by giving the trucker more control of the vehicle.

If you were injured in a truck crash in Texas, contact the Cooper Law Firm. N. Eric Cooper is a Tyler accident attorney who can evaluate your collision and determine if you may have valid grounds for a claim. Call 903-297-0037 to schedule a consultation.

Until then, read on to learn the truth behind nine truck driver seatbelt myths:

Myth 1: It is uncomfortable to wear seatbelts because they restrict movement.

This myth may be true if you do not wear the seatbelt properly; however, seatbelts actually make movement easier and improve comfort. Make sure you adjust the shoulder and lap belts correctly.

Myth 2: Your decision to wear a seatbelt or not does not harm anybody else.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, seatbelts help drivers control their vehicles. Losing control of a truck can be particularly dangerous to other road users.

Myth 3: A seatbelt can trap you if your vehicle catches fire or becomes submerged in water.

If the truck is burning or under water, a seatbelt can actually help you escape. Without one, you run the risk of hitting your head and knocking yourself unconscious at a time when you need to be awake.

Myth 4: The chance of survival is better if you are ejected from the truck.

The risk of dying is 400-percent higher if you are thrown from the vehicle, according to the CDC. You can impact the pavement, or another car may snag and drag you, or run you over.

Myth 5: Fastening seatbelts all day wastes time.

Buckling up takes approximately three seconds. Doing it 40 times a day only requires two minutes of effort.

Myth 6: Only amateur truck drivers need to wear seatbelts.

Although experienced truckers rarely cause accidents, they cannot control the actions of other motorists. If a negligent driver collides with your truck, the seatbelt can save your life.

Myth 7: You do not need a seatbelt if you have the protection of a large truck.

You are certainly less vulnerable in a big truck than in a passenger vehicle, but seatbelts are still essential. They will secure you in place and protect you from ejection and head trauma.

Myth 8: Seatbelts are unnecessary when driving at slow speeds.

Objects inside a vehicle do not slow in an accident; they continue moving at the same speed. Your head will hit the dashboard at 30 mph if you travel at that speed without a seatbelt. This is equivalent to falling from a three-story building without any protection.

Myth 9: A lap belt works just as well as a seatbelt.

Lap belts secure your lower body, but they make your spine vulnerable if your upper body jerks forward with force. You should have both lap and shoulder belts for maximum protection.

If you were injured by a negligent driver in Texas, contact the Cooper Law Firm. Attorney N. Eric Cooper is a Texas truck accident lawyer who can help you pursue damages from the liable parties.

Mr. Cooper is a member of the Texas Trial Lawyers Association and the Gregg County Bar Association. Call 903-297-0037 to schedule a consultation. You can also visit USAttorneys.com to learn more about truck accident claims.