It is a federal law for truckers to wear seatbelts, as the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration explains. Unfortunately, some truckers break this law – believing that wearing a seatbelt is a personal decision that does not affect other road users.
However, wearing a seatbelt helps drivers maintain control of their vehicles, which is especially important for commercial trucks. If commercial drivers do not buckle up, then they may not be in position to react properly to an unexpected hazard.
If you were injured in a truck crash in South Carolina, contact the Churdar Law Firm. Doug Churdar is an injury lawyer in Greenville who can assess your wreck, talk to witnesses and guide you through the claims process.
Call 864-233-0203 to schedule a consultation. Until then, read on to learn the truth behind nine common seatbelt myths:
Myth 1: Wearing a seatbelt is a personal decision and does not affect anyone else.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, seatbelts help truck drivers maintain control of their vehicles. This can prevent accidents. Also, if there is a crash and one or more occupants is not wearing a seatbelt, then he or she may become a projectile and injure others within the vehicle.
Myth 2: Seatbelts are restrictive and too uncomfortable to wear.
If secured correctly, a seatbelt should actually improve your comfort behind the wheel. If you adjust the shoulder and lap belts correctly, then movement should be easier.
Myth 3: Seatbelts prevent escape under water or in fires.
If you are in a fiery accident or submerged in water, the chance of surviving is actually higher if you wear a seatbelt. The seatbelt can protect your head and prevent unconsciousness, which is crucial in such an emergency.
Myth 4: You are more likely to survive a wreck if ejected.
If you are ejected from a truck, then you are 400 percent more likely to die. Not only will you impact the pavement, but you could also land in the middle of oncoming traffic. Also, the truck will continue uncontrolled, which could cause major property damage, injuries or worse.
Myth 5: Seatbelts are only for amateur truckers.
A responsible, experienced trucker rarely causes a wreck, but nobody can control the actions of other drivers. A seatbelt may save your life in an accident with a drunk or distracted motorist.
Myth 6: It is a waste of time and energy to spend all day fastening your seatbelt.
Fastening your seatbelt takes less than three seconds. If you do it 60 times, it will cost you three minutes of your day at most. This simple act can save your life and the lives of others, which makes it worth every second.
Myth 7: A seatbelt is unnecessary because the truck will protect you.
You may have the luxury of a truck’s protection, but a high-speed crash or rollover can still be fatal – especially if you are not wearing a seatbelt.
Myth 8: Lap belts are just as effective as seatbelts.
Wearing a lap belt alone is dangerous. In an accident, the impact can throw your upper body forward and stretch the spinal column. This can cause severe neck and back injuries.
Myth 9: There is no need to wear a seatbelt when driving slowly.
You will hit the dashboard at the same speed you are travelling if you are not wearing a seatbelt. If driving at a slow 30 mph, the impact can be devastating. It is equivalent to falling from a three-story building.
If you were injured in a truck crash, contact the Churdar Law Firm. Doug Churdar is a South Carolina truck accident attorney who can help you pursue the maximum compensation from the at-fault party. As a victim of negligence, you may be entitled to compensation for lost wages, medical bills and other damages. Call 864-233-0203 to schedule a consultation.