Seat belt

MANUTD111 · Post by **MANUTD111** » 30 Oct 2019, 17:08

Done my vehicle check and plugged my seatbelt in the holder to test. Went and loaded my van then cos it was clear got in van reversed in to space then drove forward a bit in yard then stopped to put my seat belt on then realised still locked in but by that time the health and safety management saw the belt now I am going to a conduct interview never been in trouble before, got kids and one on way bit nervous now.

datasaint · Post by **datasaint** » 30 Oct 2019, 23:34

I don't think you should maintain you plugged the seatbelt into the holder to "test", there's no reason whatsoever to do that, better to admit your mistake and ask for leniency.

MANUTD111 · Post by **MANUTD111** » 31 Oct 2019, 07:12

norm wrote:I don't think you should maintain you plugged the seatbelt into the holder to "test", there's no reason whatsoever to do that, better to admit your mistake and ask for leniency.

But I did it was a genuine mistake.

Rumple · Post by **Rumple** » 31 Oct 2019, 14:05

MANUTD111 wrote:
norm wrote:I don't think you should maintain you plugged the seatbelt into the holder to "test", there's no reason whatsoever to do that, better to admit your mistake and ask for leniency.
But I did it was a genuine mistake.

Dead right, stick to your story. Feed the fairies at the bottom of your garden before you go in though, it'll bring good luck!

Post by **97gaz** » 31 Oct 2019, 18:47

MANUTD111 · Post by **MANUTD111** » 31 Oct 2019, 20:48

Rumple wrote:
MANUTD111 wrote:
norm wrote:I don't think you should maintain you plugged the seatbelt into the holder to "test", there's no reason whatsoever to do that, better to admit your mistake and ask for leniency.
But I did it was a genuine mistake.
Dead right, stick to your story. Feed the fairies at the bottom of your garden before you go in though, it'll bring good luck!

Behave you fool I ain't no liar

Decky Boy · Post by **Decky Boy** » 01 Nov 2019, 15:23

I think Rumple was cracking a bit of a joke, no need to call him a "fool" . What he was saying ( or trying to say) is that you'll need the luck of the faireys in order to wriggle out of this one ! Many have lost their jobs over this infringement. There's only one fool here mate ???

MANUTD111 · Post by **MANUTD111** » 01 Nov 2019, 20:14

Decky Boy wrote:I think Rumple was cracking a bit of a joke, no need to call him a "fool" . What he was saying ( or trying to say) is that you'll need the luck of the faireys in order to wriggle out of this one ! Many have lost their jobs over this infringement. There's only one fool here mate ???

Just stressed over it lad that's all, maybe dine need couple of fairy's,. I know they have. What you mean one fool ere tho lad?

Post by **TrueBlueTerrier** » 02 Nov 2019, 07:14

MANUTD111 wrote:
norm wrote:I don't think you should maintain you plugged the seatbelt into the holder to "test", there's no reason whatsoever to do that, better to admit your mistake and ask for leniency.
But I did it was a genuine mistake.

In the interview, make sure the CWU are there to help, but you'll need logical and honest answers to 2 questions.

1. Why did you test the seatbelt when there is no requirement to do so?
2. Why didn't you unplug it once you had finished the test?

perhaps a 3rd.
3. Why didn't you notice when you sat down.

then depending on the vehicle they may ask:
4. Why did you test by plugging it in, some vans only alert if the belt is NOT plugged in.

Good luck though.

MANUTD111 · Post by **MANUTD111** » 02 Nov 2019, 17:21

TrueBlueTerrier wrote:
MANUTD111 wrote:
norm wrote:I don't think you should maintain you plugged the seatbelt into the holder to "test", there's no reason whatsoever to do that, better to admit your mistake and ask for leniency.
But I did it was a genuine mistake.
In the interview, make sure the CWU are there to help, but you'll need logical and honest answers to 2 questions.

1. Why did you test the seatbelt when there is no requirement to do so?
2. Why didn't you unplug it once you had finished the test?

perhaps a 3rd.
3. Why didn't you notice when you sat down.

then depending on the vehicle they may ask:
4. Why did you test by plugging it in, some vans only alert if the belt is NOT plugged in.

Good luck though.

Thanks. When I started a year an a half ago my trainer said to check if your in a different van each week just in case buckle is faulty.

Post by **We Love our Grandad** » 05 Nov 2019, 17:45

Seat belt is part of your daily pre user check for any vehicle, just as sounding your horn, how many drivers check the horn daily,

venom · Post by **venom** » 06 Nov 2019, 17:35

Surely this will cover you as you were reversing this is from the dvla website

There is no legal requirement to wear a seat belt if you're: a driver who is reversing, or supervising a learner driver who is reversing. driving a goods vehicle, on deliveries, that is travelling no more than 50 metres between stops. a licensed taxi driver who is 'plying for hire' or carrying passengers.

Marshamp11 · Post by **Marshamp11** » 06 Nov 2019, 18:24

venom wrote:Surely this will cover you as you were reversing this is from the dvla website

There is no legal requirement to wear a seat belt if you're: a driver who is reversing, or supervising a learner driver who is reversing. driving a goods vehicle, on deliveries, that is travelling no more than 50 metres between stops. a licensed taxi driver who is 'plying for hire' or carrying passengers.

If it happened in the yard then there is also no legal requirement on private land.

yellowbelly · Post by **yellowbelly** » 06 Nov 2019, 19:31

Marshamp11 wrote:
venom wrote:Surely this will cover you as you were reversing this is from the dvla website

There is no legal requirement to wear a seat belt if you're: a driver who is reversing, or supervising a learner driver who is reversing. driving a goods vehicle, on deliveries, that is travelling no more than 50 metres between stops. a licensed taxi driver who is 'plying for hire' or carrying passengers.
If it happened in the yard then there is also no legal requirement on private land.

But it's not the law that RM are using as a stick to beat MANU over the head with.....they'll try to use their own
regulations and drivers guidance........

MANUTD111 wrote:.......then drove forward a bit in yard then stopped to put my seat belt on then

RM Drivers Manual:

Seat belts
Seat belts must be worn at all times while driving.

here is the justification for the seat belt check - how can you check it's working correctly if you don't
plug it in?

.....and drivers should ensure all seat belts fitted in their vehicle operate
correctly, as part of their normal duty checks.

but after reversing.....

Reversing......You may remove your seat belt while reversing.....
.....Always remember to replace your seat belt after completing
the manoeuvre.

Good luck...

norris9 · Post by **norris9** » 13 Nov 2019, 17:05

I thought there's a rule of the road where delivery drivers can drive a very short distance without having to put their seatbelt on. Would this not apply in the yard? the yard is likely a 5mph limit, it's not likely you are going to end up flying forward unless someone hits you from behind fairly hard.

EDIT: (I see others have posted about this above).

If they suspect you may be driving without a seatbelt out on your round for longer distances, they can only suspect. There is no proof you have.