According to a new survey conducted by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), 75% of the people in the United States use seat belts while driving or riding in a motor vehicle. This figure represents the highest level of seat belt usage since the survey began in 1994. The increase in seat belt usage may be largely attributed to new laws that require drivers and passengers to wear seat belts. Primary seat belt laws allow police officers to stop and ticket drivers and riders if the vehicle occupants are not wearing seat belts even if no other violation has occurred. Secondary seat belt laws allow police officers to ticket drivers and riders only after another violation has occurred. Seat belt use in states with primary seat belt laws is 80%; in those states with secondary seat belt laws, seat belt use is only 69%.

The overall use of seat belts also depends on where people live and the type of vehicle people drive. People who live in West coast states buckle up the most often (79%). In the Midwest and South, residents buckle up only 74% and 76% of the time. People in the Northeast use their seat belts least often (69%). However, on a positive note, seat belt usage in the Northeast is up 8% over previous years. Drivers and riders in cars, vans and SUVs buckle up at rates between 77% and 79%. Unfortunately, pickup truck occupants use their seat belts at a rate of only 65%.

Keep up the good work...wearing a seat belt is an easy way to prevent an injury during a car accident.