A new study revealed that seat belt use in 2016 is at its highest recorded point, according to the U.S. Department of Transportation’s National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). Since 1994, the NHTSA has used the National Occupant Protection Use Survey (NOPUS) to compile findings on traffic safety devices. NOPUS reported that 90.1 percent of all drivers and front seat passengers wear seat belts, an increase from 88.5 percent reported in 2015.
It is the only study that provides data on seat belt usage in the U.S. using nationwide observation data. NOPUS also provides data on drivers’ use of electronic devices, motorcycle helmets and child restraints.
Seat belt use has been estimated to have saved 14,000 lives in 2015 and approximately 345,000 lives since 1975. NHTSA officials credit state legislatures for passing traffic safety laws and for law enforcement’s crack-down on seat belt use through programs like the Click it or Ticket campaign.
While safety officials are encouraged by this study’s findings, they agree there is room for improvement. Until there is 100 percent seat belt usage and no deaths from lack of seat belts, the NHTSA will continue its mission to promote safety and remind people to buckle up.
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