Seat belt reminder now fitted as standard in Volvo Trucks

In order to further contribute to increased safety for the truck driver, Volvo Trucks has introduced an acoustic seat belt reminder as standard in all trucks for the European market.

“By so clearly reminding the driver about the seat belt, we hope that several hundred lives or serious injuries will be avoided every year,” says Lars-Göran Löwenadler, Safety Director at Volvo Trucks.

Research shows that the number of truck drivers using seat belts varies considerably between different countries, from about 10 per cent in some southern European countries to about 70 per cent in those countries with the highest usage rates. Whilst it is encouraging to note that belt use is increasing, statistics reveal that most drivers killed or injured in traffic accidents were not using their seat belts.

“According to the research results that our accident research team has compiled, the seat belt has a major effect in at least 60 per cent of accidents and would, if used properly, be able to save up to about 500 lives a year in Europe,” explains Claes Avedal, who heads the accident research at Volvo Trucks.

In order to promote increased use of seat belts in trucks, Volvo Trucks is now fitting a highly noticeable seat belt reminder as standard in all models sold on the European market. The seat belt reminder is connected to the driver’s seat and is a further development of the previous model which only activated a warning lamp.

With the new unit, the driver is alerted by both a warning lamp and an acoustic signal if the seat belt is not buckled up. As soon as the truck is started, a warning lamp comes on in the instrument panel if the belt is unused, but once speed reaches 30 km/h, the light starts flashing and an acoustic signal is activated. The signal only switches off when the seat belt is used or when the speed drops below 30 km/h. The activation speed of 30 km/h is pre-set at the factory but can be raised or lowered by an authorised Volvo workshop if this is considered more suitable bearing in mind the truck’s normal operating conditions.

The seat belt reminder has been installed in all models since week 37 (i.e Mid September)