An exemption in the law was provided for drivers and passengers who have a physically disabling condition which would prevent the use of these safety devices. There is overwhelming evidence and data to support the use of seat belts. Many federal and other studies have proven that seat belt use has a direct and immediate impact on reducing highway fatalities and injuries. Persons wearing seat belts are more likely to remain in control of their vehicle and are less likely to be ejected or hurled to other parts of the vehicle. A restrained driver is three times less likely to be killed or seriously injured.
Similar statistics apply to passengers as well.
Thus, the use of seat belts protect the driver, passengers in the ambulance as well as other motorists, pedestrians and our patient. It is the purpose of this policy to assist EMS services in reviewing or developing policies and practices that insure the appropriate use of seat belts by crew members, passengers and patients. All patients not on a patient carrying device and any passengers in the patient compartment of any ambulance must use seat belts at all times when the vehicle is in motion. All EMS personnel in the patient compartment must use seat belts when they are not attending to a patient and the vehicle is in motion. All patients on the stretcher must be secured at all times when the vehicle is in motion or the stretcher is being carried or moved.