Travel Tips & Trends

Seat belt usage increases

From 2006 to 2007, the overall percentage of motorists using seat belts increased from 81% to 82%, according to a new survey by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). Among other findings, seat belt usage:

  • Increased among vehicle occupants ages 70 and over, from 85% in 2006 to 88% in 2007.
  • Continued to be lowest (77%) among 16- to 24-year-olds.
  • Continued to be higher among females (86%) than males (79%).
  • Remained lower among drivers traveling alone than among those transporting passengers.

    • NHTSA also reported that seat belts prevent 50% of potential crash fatalities and save about 15,000 lives each year.