Indiana State Police will be making sure drivers of commercial vehicles are properly wearing seatbelts. Commercial motor vehicle officers and motor carriers inspectors will take part in a statewide commercial vehicle enforcement blitz next week.
Officers say the problem isn’t limited to drivers simply not wearing their seatbelt. They say many commercial vehicle drivers are using a device designed to reduce tension on the shoulder. But police say that makes the seatbelt less effective. It’s also against the law.
State police say their goal is to get drivers to wear their seatbelt voluntarily, but they will be issuing tickets when warranted.
Officers point out that semi tractors don’t have airbags, as passenger cars do. That means drivers can be thrown out of their seat, in the event of a crash.