Survey of drivers shows Minnesotans buckling up at a high rate

For the first time in a long time, an annual observational survey of drivers shows more Minnesotans buckling up behind the wheel.

It could be the overhead, humorous signs, such as one reading 'Dad Bods Look Better in Seat Belts.' It could be the extra click it or ticket enforcement campaigns. Whatever the reason, Office of Traffic Safety Director Mike Hanson will take it.

"94.7 percent of Minnesotans put that seatbelt on when they are traveling across anywhere in Minnesota, going from here to the grocery store or here to the cabin up north," Hanson says. "And so that's very positive news for us."

Hanson says this year's seat belt compliance rate is among the highest they've seen since they began keeping track in 2010.

Still, Hanson says until every person wears their seat belt, the deadly risks are all too real. 84 unbelted motorists died on Minnesota roads in 2023.

Hanson says there are still some populations of concern, such as young, single men driving pickups in rural parts of the state.

"And I think there's still a bit of complacency out there where if you live in Greater Minnesota, you know, you seem to think that there's not much traffic out here," Hanson explains. "The likelihood of a crash happening and all that are much less. I know all the roads like the back of my hand around my house. So, you know, some of that, I think just goes along with it."

A statewide seat belt and child safety seat enforcement campaign is going on through the rest of the week.

Minnesota law requires all drivers and passengers to wear seat belts or be in the correct car seat or booster seat. Belts should be tight across the hips or thighs. They also note that drivers should properly position the shoulder belt across the chest and never tuck it under the arm or behind the back.