East-Central Minnesota Seat Belt Use Up

UNDATED -- A new survey by the Minnesota Department of Safety shows we are buckling up more than most of the other regions in Minnesota.

The state's traffic safety advocates conducted an observational survey in seven areas of Minnesota and found East-Central Minnesota -- which includes St. Cloud -- had the second highest seat belt usage.

The data was collected in 12 East-Central counties and compared to the other regions. The unofficial survey showed about 85% of us buckle up, behind only Southwestern Minnesota at 86.7%.

The lowest region for seat belt usage is in Northwestern Minnesota at about 74%.

State Patrol Captain Al Kutz says their goal is 100% compliance because he says it will save more lives.