09/17/2009

Drivers might start seeing along Florida highways those "click it, or ticket signs" that are posted everywhere in many other states.

A state law went into effect June 1, 2009 giving law enforcement officers authority to pull over and ticket drivers and front seat passengers for not wearing seatbelts. Before today they could write tickets for failing to buckle up only if the motorist was stopped for speeding or another traffic offense.

The national average of safety restraint usage is 83%, while in Florida it was only 81%. Out of the 27 states that have statutes similar to Florida’s new law; the usage is rate is 87%. Regardless of consequences, many people still do not wear seatbelts, taking a gamble not only with their safety, but with their checkbook as well; a violation will cost a driver $116.

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, primary seat belt laws reduce vehicle crash deaths and injuries. The federal agency estimates 124 lives in Florida will be saved each year with the new law, as well as 1,733 serious injuries prevented and $408 million saved in associated costs.

With the help of GPS tracking, business owners are able to monitor seatbelt use along with many other customizable, in-vehicle functions. “When people know they are being watched, they tend to follow the rules” states Nikol Hillman, Director of Marketing for GPS Fleet Solutions. New fleet management systems are connecting the vehicles engine control module which uses sensors in the seatbelt to report the use of seatbelts or the activation of the passenger side airbag. This provides a convenient and effective way to monitor safety policy and non-employee passenger compliance policies.

Accidents are a major expense for all fleet operators. Understanding driver behavior before an accident is the key to reducing associated expenses such as workers compensation, property damage, unemployment, lawsuit settlements, lost production and increases in insurance premiums.