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Volvo has introduced an acoustic seat belt reminder as standard in all trucks for the UK and Continental markets. "By so clearly reminding the driver about the seat belt, we hope that several hundred lives or serious injuries will be avoided every year," says safety director Lars-Göran Löwenadler. Research shows that the number of truck drivers using seat belts varies considerably between different countries, from about 10% in southern Europe countries to about 70% in countries with the highest  usage rates.

"According to the research results that our accident research team has compiled, the seat belt has a major effect in at least 60% of accidents," adds head of accident research, Claes Avedal. The new warning sounds as soon as the truck speed reaches 30 km/h. The warning light starts flashing. The signal only switches off when the seat belt is used or when the speed drops below 30 km/h.

The activation speed is pre-set at the factory but can be raised or lowered by an authorised Volvo workshop. The seat belt reminder has been installed in all models since built from mid-September. Asked if the warning device can be switched off, a UK spokesman says: "Yes. You put the belt on. It works a treat."