Survey finds SC Motorists are buckling up

The South Carolina Department of Public Safety announces that motorists in the Palmetto State set a record-breaking 91.7% safety belt usage rate making 2013 the second consecutive year the rate rose above 90%.  The figures are from a recent survey by the University of South Carolina. It was based on traffic counts conducted in 16 counties and focused on drivers and passengers who used shoulder style safety belts in June 2013. South Carolina’s rate surpasses the current national safety belt usage rate of 86%.  Officials at the South Carolina Department of Public Safety attribute the record usage rate to continuing enforcement and safety education efforts. Last year the rate was 90.5%, which was the first time it rose above 90%. The South Carolina Department of Public Safety commissioned the June 2013 survey following the Memorial Day Buckle Up, South Carolina safety belt campaign.