Safety belt use 'would reduce traffic accident injuries and fatalities by 40%'

Date: 7/4/2010

The number of fatalities and injuries in traffic accidents would decrease by 40 per cent if everyone drove wearing safety belts, a study by the CESSAR research institute has revealed.

However, despite this fact, fewer than half of all truck drivers use a safety belt, the institute also found.

The use of safety belts among truck drivers in European countries ranges from ten to 70 per cent, Volvo Trucks has revealed.

Safety belt use in France is above 70 per cent, in Sweden 40 per cent and in the USA 72 per cent, the vehicle company stated.

Volvo trucks' traffic and product safety director, Carl-Johan Almqvist, added: "Many drivers live under the impression that it is much safer to drive a big truck than a small passenger car."

Safety belt warning systems can help drivers to remember to buckle up, Mr Almqvist added.

According to government statistics, around 200 road deaths and serious injuries every week involve someone who is driving as part of their work duties.

Around 200 road deaths and serious injuries each week involve someone who is on the road as part of their work duties.