U.S. to Require Drivers to Belt Up on Job

By year’s end, the federal government intends to require that the 35 million workers who drive on the job wear seat belts, Labor Secretary Elizabeth Hanford Dole announced today.

She said the requirement, which will take effect after a 120-day period for public comment, could save an estimated 685 lives a year. Even business people riding in taxis would be affected.

Employers who do not force their workers to use seat belts and who do not provide them with driver training could face fines up to $10,000 under the Occupational Safety and Health Administration regulation, Dole said.

Since 1984, when states began passing seat belt laws, belt use among the general public has increased from 14% to 46%, the secretary told reporters. Thirty-six states have seat belt laws covering 88% of the population, she said.

Under the new regulation, an estimated 5.4 million employers will have to require seat belt use by all employees who operate or ride in motor vehicles as part of their job. Helmet use will be required for workers who use motorcycles.

The regulation will also require employers to provide a brief driver safety awareness program for workers who drive on a routine basis.

The training programs, which Dole said should cost about $6 per driver, will familiarize employees with their vehicles and give instructions on seat belt use and on the effects of drinking and driving.