Crime & Safety

Survey: Most New Yorkers Buckle Up

Ninety one percent of Empire State drivers and front-seat passengers used a seat belt.

A new survey shows that 91 percent of New York drivers and front-seat passengers buckle up.

The 91 percent represents a slight increase from the year prior, when 90.5 percent used their seat belt. The survey was conducted by the University at Albany's Institute for Traffic Safety Management and Research.

"Nearly 30 years ago, New York led the nation by passing the first seat belt law, and today the vast majority of New York's drivers and passengers are now taking this simple step of buckling up to protect themselves on the road," said Gov. Andrew Cuomo in a statement. "It is clear that efforts by the state to promote driver safety can instill good driving habits and ultimately save lives."

The state's occupant restraint law was enacted in 1984, with enforcement beginning in 1985. Police can stop a vehicle and issue a ticket for failure to wear a seat belt as a primary violation. It carries a fine of up to $50.

The governor's office said the survey was conducted at 120 locations in 12 counties where drivers and front-seat passengers were monitored for seat belt compliance.


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