Study finds seatbelt use has increased in New Jersey

A study out of New Jersey finds more people riding in the front seat of vehicles are buckling up. State Attorney General Paula Dow tells the Associated Press 94.5 percent of people in the front seat were found to be wearing seatbelts.

Released today, the study found a slight increase in seatbelt use from last year, and this year’s number is the highest in the 15 years the study has been conducted.

The backseat tells a different story, where only 3 out of 5 passengers are buckling up, though that number is increasing, as well. State officials used highway accident statistics to estimate the increase in seatbelt usage can prevent six roadway deaths this year.