The ATA today released a new safety alert to highlight the availability of truck suspension seats with integrated belts.
ATA Senior Adviser, Engineering, Chris Loose says an integrated seatbelt with the driver’s suspension seat would comfortably secure the driver and in an event of a crash, reduce the consequences.
Drivers have a range of reasons for not using a seat belt in a truck, but in the car, they would automatically put on a seat belt. Much research and studies over the years have pointed to seat belts reducing the risk of injury and fatality for all road users.
When asked, the common response for not wearing a seatbelt when driving a heavy vehicle was that drivers considered them uncomfortable. This is historically due to the use of suspension seats with cab mounted belts locking during driving over rough roads.
The safety alert lists the availability of integrated seat belts with the driver’s suspension seat for heavy vehicles.
Mr Loose says the document also highlights other important actions that drivers and owners need to be aware of including appropriate seatbelt maintenance in their regular vehicle servicing.
By providing details on what is currently available to industry, our safety alert is intended to increase seat belt use and save lives.
Read the availability of truck suspension seats with integrated belts safety alert.
Media contact: Donna Jeremiah/Anne Nguyen 02 6253 6900