Study: Seatbelt Use At Record High In New Jersey
TRENTON, N.J. (AP) -- New Jersey drivers and passengers are buckling up more than ever before.
State Attorney General Paula Dow says 94.5 percent of people riding in the front seat were found to be wearing their seatbelts.
A study released Tuesday shows that's a slight increase over last year and the highest rate in the 15 years since the state has been performing the study.
Using highway accident statistics, state officials estimated that increase should mean six roadway deaths will be prevented this year.
The study found while seatbelt use in the back seat is also increasing, there's a long way to go. Only three out of five backseat passengers buckled up.
The study was conducted in May and June, soon after a seatbelt enforcement campaign that netted more than 32,000 citations.
(Copyright 2011 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)
