The latest survey on seatbelt usage among drivers of commercial drivers from the Federal Motor Carrier and Safety Administration shows significant increases even over a few years ago. In 2007, 65 percent of drivers vigilantly wore safety belts, compared to 74 percent of truckers today. The FMCSA study also revealed that drivers were more conscientious about wearing seatbelts in states with tougher laws than those that weren’t. Usage rates were higher for drivers of national or regional fleets, 78 percent, than their owner-operator counterparts, 64 percent.

WASHINGTON — Three in four truck and bus drivers wear their seatbelts, a significant increase over a few years ago.

According to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration, 74 percent of truckers are vigilant about wearing their safety belts, compared to only 65 percent of commercial drivers in 2007.

The FMCSA observed 20,818 commercial drivers operating medium to heavy-duty trucks and buses at 827 roadside sites nationwide for the survey.

According to the survey, safety belt use for both drivers and their occupants was 78 percent in states where law enforcement may stop drivers for not buckling up, versus 67 percent in states with weaker belt use laws.

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