Seat belts save lives in crashes, but many people still don’t use them. Not wearing a seat belt sets a bad example for young people, who may think it’s okay to skip buckling up.

The Click It or Ticket campaign uses education, laws, and police support to encourage seat belt use and save lives.

https://www.nhtsa.gov/campaign/click-it-or-ticket

Many drivers are cited for not wearing seat belts, which hurts safety scores and creates unnecessary risks for your company.

In some states, not wearing a seat belt can lead to a full roadside inspection, not just a seat belt ticket.

• Make it company policy to always wear seat belts while driving.

• Set clear consequences for seat belt violations.

• Order trucks with brightly colored seat belts so they’re easier to see.

• Offer a company life insurance policy as an incentive for drivers who wear seat belts.

• Use technology that stops trucks from starting unless the driver’s seat belt is fastened.

Does your company policy cover seat belt use?

Buckling up is one of the safest choices for drivers and passengers. In 2021, 90% of Americans wore seat belts, which saved about 15,000 lives in 2017. Knowing the risks of not using seat belts helps keep you and your family safe.

Yes; federal law (FMCSR 392.16) requires drivers to wear seat belts in commercial vehicles.

MYTH 1: Seat belts are uncomfortable and restrict movement.

FACT: Most drivers find seat belts comfortable when properly adjusted.

MYTH 2: Wearing a seat belt is a personal choice that doesn’t affect others.

FACT: Not wearing a seat belt can hurt your loved ones and other drivers. Seat belts help you stay in control and are required by law.

MYTH 3: Seat belts prevent escape from a burning or sinking vehicle.

FACT: Seat belts can keep you conscious so you can escape. Fires or submersion are very rare in crashes.

MYTH 4: It’s safer to be thrown from a vehicle in a crash.

FACT: You are four times more likely to die if thrown from a vehicle.

MYTH 5: Buckling up takes too much time.

FACT: Buckling up only takes a few seconds, even if you do it many times a day.

MYTH 6: Good drivers don’t need seat belts.

FACT: Even good drivers can be in crashes. Seat belts prevent injuries and deaths by keeping you inside the vehicle.

MYTH 7: Large trucks protect you, so seat belts aren’t needed.

FACT: Many truck drivers who died in crashes were not wearing seat belts.

MYTH 8: You don’t need seat belts at low speeds.

FACT: In a 30 mph crash, not wearing a seat belt is like falling from a three-story building.

MYTH 9: Lap belts alone are enough protection.

FACT: Lap and shoulder belts together offer the best protection.

Motorists need to watch for motorcycles. Most deadly motorcycle crashes involve another vehicle, often because the driver didn’t see the motorcycle. Drivers’ actions matter—something small like road debris that’s harmless to a car can be very dangerous to a motorcyclist.

International Roadcheck is a yearly three-day event where inspectors check the safety of trucks, buses, drivers, and companies. It’s the largest safety inspection program for commercial vehicles, with about 15 vehicles checked every minute across North America. Since 1988, inspectors have done over 1.8 million inspections during this event. The Roadcheck also helps teach the public and trucking industry about the importance of safety. The event is run by CVSA with help from several U.S., Canadian, and Mexican transportation agencies.

Idealease and the National Private Truck Council NPTC hosted 18 safety seminars in 2025. We are getting ready for the next sessions in the Fall of 2026. The one-day seminars will focus on basic safety and compliance, regulation changes and CSA. The seminars will be provided to all Idealease customers, potential customers and NPTC members at no charge. The seminar provides valuable information applicable for both novice and experienced transportation professionals.

Upcoming Fall seminars confirmed:

👉 Register here:

http://www.idealease.com/safety-seminar-registration