Indiana State Police Announce Seat Belt Blitz Sept. 24-30

INDIANAPOLIS, IN — Indiana State Police Commercial Motor Vehicle Officers and Motor Carrier Inspectors are reminding everyone to buckle up their seat belts while in a vehicle, especially during a statewide seat belt enforcement blitz happening Sept. 24 through 30. Both ISP groups will be participating in the blitz, aimed at reducing the number of CMV crashes through seat belt enforcement and education, ISP reports. Police officials hope this will also lower the number of injuries and fatalities related to those crashes.

According to ISP, it's an undisputed fact that proper seat belt use decreases the possibility of death or injury, as everyone should comply with seat belt and traffic laws.

In addition, ISP reports specific to commercial vehicle drivers, some operators are not properly wearing their seat belt.

“Unfortunately, we are finding – more often than not – that many CMV drivers are using a device on the shoulder strap portion of the safety belt that is designed to reduce tension on the shoulder,” stated Indiana State Police Commercial Vehicle Enforcement Division Commander Major Jon Smithers in a release. “The loosening of the shoulder strap can compromise the effectiveness of the safety belt and is also in violation of the Indiana seat belt law and Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations.”

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Hoosiers be warned - as ISP's stated goal is voluntary compliance, police said in situations where a traffic ticket is warranted, commercial vehicle operators will be cited for seat belt violations.

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ISP notes semi-tractors don't have any air bag safety systems within the cab of the truck compared to those of pick-up trucks and passenger vehicles, therefore unsecured commercial truck drivers involved in crashes can be thrown out of the driver’s seat, resulting in a secondary crash when the truck is not brought to a controlled stop.

ISP-Safety Belt Facts and Tips:

• Safety belts are proven to help drivers maintain control of the vehicle when involved in a crash, thus minimizing the chance of injury or death to you, your passengers, and other motorists.
• Safety belts can prevent you from being knocked unconscious in a crash, improving your chances of escape from a burning or submerged vehicle.
• You are four times more likely to be fatally injured when thrown from your vehicle the result of a crash. Your safety belt can keep you from being ejected.
• Driver error, severe weather, mechanical failure, and tire blowouts can all cause crashes. Safety belts prevent injuries by protecting your head and spinal cord.
• Safety belts are necessary even at low speeds. In a frontal collision at 30 mph, an commercial vehicle driver who isn't secured hits the windshield at that speed.
• Seat, lap, and shoulder belts can be easily adjusted to fit comfortably and correctly.
• Buckling up takes only about three seconds and can make a difference for a lifetime.

For more information on the Indiana State Police Commercial Vehicle Enforcement Division, visit in.gov/isp, and click the link “Commercial Vehicles.”

(Image via Shutterstock)