Missouri Reports Lower-Than-Average Seat Belt Use

A recently released survey shows that Missourians are buckling up more often, but their usage rates remain lower than drivers nationally.

Figures from the Missouri Department of Transportation show that 77 percent of Missourians are wearing their seat belts. That’s up 1 percentage point from last year and an improvement from 60 percent in 1999. But it’s less than the national average.

The lowest seat belt usage statistics were recorded in southwest Missouri. A 66 percent rate of seat belt use was reported in a 10-county area near Joplin and Springfield. That’s 11 points lower than the statewide average.

Most experts think it will take tougher laws to nudge the rates higher.

Information from: The Kansas City Star, www.kcstar.com