Recent article from Commercial Motor:
HGV Drivers Caught Not Wearing Seatbelts
In a recent nationwide operation, the UK’s Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) uncovered a troubling trend among heavy goods vehicle (HGV) drivers: a significant number are still failing to wear seatbelts. Despite decades of road safety campaigns and clear legal requirements, this basic safety measure is being ignored by too many professional drivers — with potentially fatal consequences.
During a week-long enforcement blitz in September, DVSA officers stopped over 1,100 HGVs and found that more than 200 drivers were not wearing seatbelts. That’s nearly one in five — a staggering statistic for an industry that prides itself on professionalism and safety. The operation, part of a broader initiative to improve compliance and reduce road casualties, also uncovered other offences, including mobile phone use and vehicle defects. But the seatbelt violations stood out for their sheer volume and preventability.
Why does this matter? Seatbelts are one of the simplest and most effective ways to reduce injury and death in road traffic collisions. According to government data, wearing a seatbelt reduces the risk of death by 45% and serious injury by 50% for drivers and front-seat passengers. For HGV drivers, who spend long hours on the road and often operate large, high-momentum vehicles, the stakes are even higher.
The law is unambiguous: drivers must wear a seatbelt if one is fitted. Yet, some drivers continue to flout this rule, citing comfort, habit, or a false sense of security in larger vehicles. These excuses don’t hold up — especially when lives are at risk. The DVSA’s findings suggest a cultural issue within parts of the industry, where complacency or outdated attitudes toward safety persist.
The consequences of non-compliance are serious. Drivers caught without a seatbelt face a £100 fixed penalty, which can rise to £500 if the case goes to court. More importantly, they risk their lives and the lives of others. In the event of a crash, an unbelted driver can become a projectile, causing further harm inside the cab or to other road users.
So what can be done? Education and enforcement must go hand in hand. Operators and fleet managers should reinforce the importance of seatbelt use through regular training, toolbox talks, and visible leadership. Technology can also help — in-cab cameras and telematics systems can monitor seatbelt compliance and provide real-time feedback.
Ultimately, wearing a seatbelt is a matter of personal responsibility. It takes just a second to click in, but that second could save a life. As the DVSA’s operation shows, there’s still work to be done to make seatbelt use universal among HGV drivers. Let’s not wait for another tragic incident to remind us of its importance.
Buckle up. Every journey. Every time.
As always, Lloyd Morgan Group is here to support you. If you have any questions about staying compliant or want to review your current systems and processes, please contact us.
