Minnesota’s Seat Belt Use Soars, But Campaign Continues to Promote Safety

(KNSI) — The Minnesota Department of Public Safety says the state has seen a significant increase in seat belt use, with a near-record high of 94.7% in 2024. However, the state’s Click It or Ticket campaign is launching on September 15th to reinforce the importance of buckling up.

Key findings from the annual seat belt survey showed that use rose to 94.7% in 2024, up from 94.2% in 2023. That’s the highest rate recorded since 2013. This is the fourth consecutive increase since 2021. Young adults between 16 and 29, men, and pickup drivers showed significant increases in seat belt use. The percentage of young adults wearing a seat belt rose to a ten year high of 93.6%. Male occupants, both drivers and front-seat passengers, used seat belts at a rate of 93.6%. Pickup truck drivers hit an all time high of 91.9%.

Agencies across Minnesota will be stepping up seat belt enforcement efforts during the campaign, which runs through September 21st. The Minnesota Department of Public Safety’s Office of Traffic Safety is coordinating the initiative with National Highway Traffic Safety Administration funding.

“The increase in Minnesotans buckling up is very encouraging, but until every person wears their seat belt, the deadly risks are all too real,” said OTS Director Mike Hanson. “It’s so simple to take two seconds to buckle up, and you may not get a second chance in a crash. Our law enforcement partners are helping people understand the law and why it’s so important for their safety.”

Minnesota law mandates seat belt use for all drivers and passengers, regardless of where they are riding.

Preliminary counts show 84 unbelted motorists died on Minnesota roads in 2023 compared with 87 in 2022 and 110 in 2021.

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