In 2009 the Queensland Trucking Association Ltd partnered with other heavy vehicle industry associations including NatRoad, Livestock Transporters Association of Queensland, the Transport Workers Union and with the Queensland Government to address the serious issue of wearing seatbelts in heavy vehicles to improve the chances of drivers surviving a crash.
In 2009 the Heavy Vehicle Industry Associations and the Queensland Government launched the 'One Click Could Change Your Future' campaign to show the dangers of not wearing a seatbelt in a heavy vehicle. The campaign used a compelling image of a seatbelt as a spine in an X-Ray image, providing a strong reason for heavy vehicle drivers to wear a seatbelt and provided drivers, the industry and the community with Myths and Misconceptions of wearing a seatbelt (see below).
Myth 1: Seatbelts aren't safe in trucks -> False
Heavy vehicle drivers who are not wearing a seatbelt are six times more likely to die in the event of a crash
Myth 2: Seatbelts can trap you in a rollover -> False
> Wearing a seatbelt is the law. Failure to do so could mean a $300 fine and 3 demerit points
Myth 4: I am the only person affected by my decision not to wear a seatbelt -> False
> Your death or serious injury will affect friends and family. Wearing a seatbelt can also help you control your truck and avoid collisions, making the roads safer for everyone
Myth 5: Seatbelts are inconvenient -> False
> It takes 3 seconds to put on a seatbelt. Even if you do it 20 times a day, it only takes one minute. Isn't your life worth one minute?
Myth 6: Seatbelts are uncomfortable -> False
> Seatbelt design regulations have been improved to make seatbelts more comfortable in trucks. A properly adjusted seatbelt should be comfortable and not limit movement or restrict vision
Myth 7: Seatbelts are not needed in trucks -> False
> Seatbelts are mandatory in all heavy vehicles and your employer must provide a safe work environment under Workplace Health & Safety and Chain of Responsibility obligations
Myth 8: Professional truck drivers don't need seatbelts -> False
> Professional drivers take safety seriously. No matter how many years you have been driving, you can still become involved in a crash. Responsible drivers wear seatbelts