Nashville, Tennessee --- More Tennesseans than ever before are buckling up, according to a recent study released by the Tennessee Department of Safety (TDOS). The department's five-year analysis of safety belt enforcement revealed seat belt convictions decreased 38 percent during the period studied.

During the analysis, TDOS discovered the National Center for Statistics and Analysis (NCSA) shows Tennessee 's seat belt use rising from 68.5% in 2003 to an all-time high of 72% in 2004. Most of this data was collected prior to the implementation of the state's primary seat belt law that went into effect last summer. Safety officials believe the primary law will continue to result in greater safety belt usage.

"After carefully examining conviction results, usage rates and crash statistics, it is evident more and more Tennesseans are realizing that seat belts save lives," said TDOS Commissioner Fred Phillips. "The results of this report are encouraging to all law enforcement officers and safety officials statewide who see first hand how effective safety belts are in keeping motorists safe."

While usage rates are on the rise, the study also found that more than 66 percent of fatally injured vehicle occupants in Tennessee during the past five years were not wearing safety belts.

"The fact that motorists are continuing to not properly restrain themselves is a key reason for Tennessee 's change to primary enforcement of the seat belt law," said Tennessee Highway Patrol Colonel Lynn Pitts. "The Highway Patrol continues to stringently enforce the new law. We want motorists to know that safety belts are the single most effective means of reducing fatal injuries in motor vehicle crashes."

Other findings from the report indicate that safety belt violations remained proportionately the same over the five-year period with regard to age, race and sex of the violators.  Drivers between the ages of 25 and 34 were the most likely to be cited. The largest category of offenders was white males, followed by African-American males, white females and African-American females.

The results of this comprehensive review are found in the attached Safety Belt Enforcement in Tennes see report.  The report is also posted on the department's website at http://www.tennessee.gov/safety/safetybeltrpt05.pdf.

The Tennessee Department of Safety's mission is (www.tennessee.gov/safety) to ensure the safety and general welfare of the public. The department encompasses the Tennessee Highway Patrol, Office of Homeland Security and Driver License Services. General areas of responsibility include law enforcement, safety education, motorist services and terrorism prevention.