LANSING, MI-- Michigan’s seat belt use rate climbed slightly higher this year, rising from 93.4 percent in 2018 to 94.4 percent.
That’s according to a statewide grant-funded observation study conducted by Michigan State University.
Since the state’s all-time belt use record of 97.9 percent in 2009, use declined to 93 percent in 2013. With the increase to 94.4 percent, Michigan’s use rate is the highest it has been since 2016.
Every 1 percent increase in seat belt use means an estimated fewer 10 traffic deaths and 100 fewer serious injuries.
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, in 2018 seat belt use in the United States ranged from 76.4 percent in New Hampshire to 97.8 percent in Hawaii. The nationwide seat belt use rate was 89.6 percent in 2018.
