As a commercial truck driver, you want to stay safe on the road. So, you inspect your truck to make sure that all the safety systems are in place and working properly. But, when you get in your rig to start your haul, do you remember to also buckle up? It appears that more and more of you are. The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration has published a report showing increased seat belt usage among commercial truck drivers in this country. The report indicated a 7% increase in seat belt usage for these drivers in 2008. With more commercial drivers buckling up, there will also be improved safety and decreased risk of injury from accidents. These two factors are important to both commercial truck drivers and the commercial truck insurance providers.

According to the 2008 “Seat Belt Usage Study,” seat belt usage by passengers in commercial vehicles rose to 61% Drivers of major fleets were more likely to wear a seat belt than owner/operators were. Major fleet drivers used seat belts 75% of the time versus 62% for owner/operators. An interesting trend was also found regionally. The study reported that drivers in the West were more likely to be wearing a seat belt than drivers in the Northeast – 20% more likely for the West coast drivers. Probably not very surprising was the finding in the study that seat belt usage was higher in urban areas more than rural areas and that usage was higher during the weekends than on weekdays. Seat belt usage was also commonly found more often in areas that had faster traffic.

The American Trucking Association has been reportedly please with the outcome of the Seat Belt Usage Study. The ATA has supported improved seat belt enforcement. As part of its 18-point road safety agenda, the ATA recommends that the following measures be enacted:

•    All states establish primary seat belt laws
•    All commercial vehicles be equipped with audible reminders for seat belt use
•    Vehicle makers be required to install seat belts with high contrast colors to make seat belt usage more quickly visible to law enforcement officials on the road
•    States adopt a “failure to wear seat belt” defense
•    Worker’s Compensation benefits be denied to drivers who fail to use seat belts

The American Trucking Association also strongly believes that drivers must continually be educated about the importance of seat belt usage. It would appear by the results of the 2008 Seat Belt Usage Study that more commercial truck drivers are starting to get the message.

The cost of trucking insurance premiums can increase for a variety of reasons including accidents, major repairs or replacement or theft of cargo. However, some new safety features being developed for trucks and other vehicles can reduce the risk of accidents and help lower your truck insurance premiums. This can be a win-win situation for both the driver and the insurance provider.

Many technologically advanced safety features are available or are being developed for trucks and other vehicles. These safety systems include Electronic Stability Control (ESC), pre-collision systems, adaptive cruise control, lane departure warning systems, and blind spot detection systems. Commercial truck drivers should consider having any of the features on the truck if you want to lower your insurance premiums.

ESC or Electronic Stability Control is a safety and accident prevention technology designed to select the brakes which are applied to one or more tires. This feature helps the truck to slow down more regularly and allows the drive to regain control of the vehicle. Additional advancements are being made on this system. And, the forthcoming ESC II will use steering input combined with throttle and braking control to help slow the vehicle in an emergency.

Some newer and more expensive trucks can also have a pre-collision system. This safety system can sense obstacles and determine if the obstacles are a risk to the vehicle or driver. Then, the system takes active steps to prevent accidents by slowing the vehicle or applying the brakes.

An adaptive cruise control system can regulate safe distances between the truck and other vehicles. This feature engages the brake and throttle systems on the truck to ensure proper distance is maintained and keeps the truck, driver, and other vehicles safe.

Lane departure warning systems are currently being tested on vehicles. Cameras are mounted on the vehicle that will sense road markings. Should the driver become distracted or drowsy on long trips and cause the vehicle to veer out of the lane, these warning systems would sound an alarm to alert the driver. This feature has successfully worked to awaken drivers after many hours behind the wheel.

There are even blind spot detection systems available. This feature will prevent a truck from changing lanes if there is a vehicle hidden in the truck’s blind spots.

Newer truck models have many of these features built-in. However, you can also have some of these systems installed after market. The investment can be well worth it especially when you consider the costs of an accident. Damages and liability costs can skyrocket after even one accident. But with additional safety features, the driver can have the peace of mind knowing that he has taken steps to decrease the risk of an accident. Additionally, the insurance provider has the assurance of decreased potential for costly insurance claims being submitted.