Q What are the pros and cons of safety belts for lorry drivers?
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AAdditional research is needed on this
subject. A survey by America's Cornell Aeronautical Laboratory showed that in 46 per cent of a sample of accidents involving heavyduty vehicles and artics the doors opened during the accident. It was found that the risk of lorry drivers being ejected from vehicles in an accident was nearly twice as high as among car drivers and the report concluded that safety belts were as important in lorries as in cars.
A major factor, other than cost, which was delaying the introduction of safety belts in lorries was the fear of the driver being trapped in the event of fire or shifting of the load. Another factor not mentioned by the survey would apply particularly to parcels work and similar multiple collection and delivery. In this type of operation it is probable that drivers whose duties necessitated many stops to pick up or set down would feel unduly restricted if the use of safety belts was insisted upon.