Fewer people were observed using a seat belt this summer in Michigan compared to previous years.
The 2024 statewide average was 92% for drivers and front-seat passengers using a seat belt, according to an assessment prepared for the Michigan Office of Highway Safety Planning by Michigan State University.
That was down from 92.4% in 2023 and continues a downward trend since reaching 97.9% in 2009.
Michigan law requires the driver and front seat passenger to be buckled. Passengers 15 and younger have to wear a seat belt or be in a car/booster seat.
State officials estimate every 1% increase in seat belt use means an estimated 10 fewer traffic deaths and 100 fewer serious injuries.
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The state's seat belt use data is compiled through roadside observations along secondary roads. The latest data, collected in May, June and July 2024, came from 154 sites throughout all 83 counties.
Northern Michigan was home to seven of the 10 lowest observed seat belt use rates. The lowest rates were in the following counties: Cass (79.5%), Montmorency (79.5%), Iron (81%), Leelanau (83.9%), Baraga (84.6%), St. Joseph (84.6%), and Menominee (84.8%).
Counties with the highest seatbelt use rates on the other hand included Monroe (97.8%), Kent (97%), Lake (96.2%), Otsego (96.2%), Benzie (96.1%), Crawford (96%) and Wexford (96%).
Below is a map of Michigan's observed seat belt use rates by county. Hover over or click a county to see its rate and data from the 2024 observation periods.
Among Michigan's 2023 traffic crash fatalities, 335 were reportedly using both a shoulder and lap restraint. Partial or no seat belt use was reported for 221 deaths, while restraint use was unknown for another 118 deaths, according to state police data.
RELATED: Here's where Michigan's distracted driving got better, worse in 2023
Observers of seat belt use also noted use of mobile devices by drivers. On average, 7.9% of drivers were observed using a device. The counties with the highest rates, mostly located in the southern half of the state, included:
For more about the state's annual seat belt observation study, visit michigan.gov/msp.