driving

[taffy45]

just a quick question hope someone can answers are there any exemptions for roayl mail drivers not wearing seat-belts on any parts of there driving duties be they rurals ,collections whatever

[Pinky 1]

just a quick question hope someone can answers are there any exemptions for roayl mail drivers not wearing seat-belts on any parts of there driving duties be they rurals ,collections whatever

Legally speaking, i don't think so. But i know a man who'll put you right ....Brothermagrew !

[TrueBlueTerrier]

The CWU South West Wales Branch has the answer at http://www.cwuswwales.co.uk/Pages/Healt ... Safety.htm" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

PURGE ON WEARING SEATBELTS

Wearing a seat belt in the front of any vehicle became compulsory in 1983 and since in 1991 it became mandatory for all adults to wear a seat belt in any seat, in any vehicle at all times. There is no exemption for Royal Mail drivers whatsoever, and contrary to some peoples opinions there is no exemption for short trip collection or delivery drivers

Royal Mail is committed to maintain and improve safety for all employees, and could instigate applicable conduct code procedures against a driver if it was thought that they had failed to comply with basic safety policy.

SOME FACTS:

* Increased use of seat belts has been one of the major factors in road safety improvements in the UK
* Seat belt wearing is estimated to save over 2000 lives every year
* All occupants not wearing a seat belt are liable to pay a fine under the law, including the driver who carries the responsibility, even if wearing a seat belt when stopped by the police
* It has been estimated that 50,000 lives have been saved since 1983
* Royal Mail or the CWU will not pay your fine if you are caught not wearing a seat belt. You will be solely responsible for paying the fine
* All drivers must report any incident of not wearing seat belts to his/her line manager in all instances

You may think that it would not happen to YOU

In a crash at 30mph, if you are unrestrained, you will hit either the vehicle windscreen, or other passengers with a force of between 30 and 60 times your own body weight. This will in most cases cause head injuries and can also result in fatalities. It is also estimated that over 20 lives, 240 serious injuries, and 1000 other injuries could be avoided nationally if commercial vehicle drivers always wore a seat belt

[brothermagrew]

IMHO it is crazy not to wear one and in agreement with brother Teebs post. Having said that came across this:

http://www.dft.gov.uk/think_media/24104 ... ptions.pdf" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

[DGP1]

http://www.lawontheweb.co.uk/seatbelts.htm" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
Exemptions from seat belt wearing

The legislation provides for a number of specific exemptions from the seat belt wearing requirements on medical and other grounds. Please consult your doctor if you think you should not wear a seat belt on medical grounds.
As for the others these include:-

"(b) the driver of or a passenger in a motor vehicle constructed or adapted for carrying goods, while on a journey which does not exceed 50 metres and which is undertaken for the purpose of delivering or collecting any thing;

(c) a person driving a vehicle while performing a manoeuvre which includes reversing;

(d) a qualified driver (within the meaning given by regulation 9 of the Motor Vehicles (Driving Licences) Regulations 1987) who is supervising the holder of a provisional licence (within the meaning of Part III of the Act) while that holder is performing a manoeuvre which includes reversing;

(e) a person by whom, as provided in the Motor Vehicles (Driving Licences) Regulations 1987, a test of competence to drive is being conducted and his wearing a seat belt would endanger himself or any other person;

(f) a person driving or riding in a vehicle while it is being used for fire brigade or police purposes or for carrying a person in lawful custody (a person who is being so carried being included in this exemption);

(g) the driver of—

(i) a licensed taxi while it is being used for seeking hire, or answering a call for hire, or carrying a passenger for hire, or

(ii) a private hire vehicle while it is being used to carry a passenger for hire;

(h) a person riding in a vehicle, being used under a trade licence, for the purpose of investigating or remedying a mechanical fault in the vehicle;

(j) a disabled person who is wearing a disabled person's belt; or

(k) a person riding in a vehicle while it is taking part in a procession organised by or on behalf of the Crown.

[brothermagrew]

See LTB 466/08 and BOB 009/08 paragraph 071 CWU website:

And http://www.rospa.com/RoadSafety/info/seatbelt_law.pdf" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

http://www.opsi.gov.uk/si/si2005/20050027.htm" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

It is I am sure RM policy for employees who are on driving duties to wear their seatbelts at all times.