The percentage of Maine drivers using their seat belts has increased in the past year. The Maine Bureau of Highway Safety said the latest survey shows 75.8 percent of drivers buckling up compared to 72.6 percent last year. Two years ago, Maine’s seat belt usage was 59 percent.

Commissioner Michael P. Cantara of the Maine Department of Public Safety said, “The new compliance numbers are encouraging, but Maine still falls behind most of the rest of the country where the nationwide average of seat belt usage is 82 percent. Maine has made significant progress, but more work remains.”

The latest survey was conducted this summer following a three week campaign around Memorial Day by 85 Maine police departments who beefed up enforcement. The campaign was bolstered by a federally funded radio ad campaign and coordinated by the Bureau of Highway Safety.

Bureau Director Lauren V. Stewart, said, “Much of the success of the increased usage of seat belts is with Maine’s law enforcement community who participated in the “Buckle Up-No Excuses” campaign during the past two years. We will continue to work with law enforcement and our partners in the transportation and health fields to encourage increased use of seat belts.”

Cantara added, “Maine’s challenge is convincing the 25 percent not buckling up to change their driving habits because seat belts clearly save lives and reduce injuries.”