Tennessee records highest level of seat belt usage

Tennessee has achieved its highest seat belt usage rate on record for the second year in a row. The Tennessee Highway Safety Office (THSO) conducted an annual roadside observational survey that determined a statewide usage rate of 92.2%, an increase of 0.2% from 2023. Researchers found occupants for sport utility vehicles were the most likely to use seat belts while those in pick-up trucks were the least likely. Additionally, female occupants had a higher usage rate than males while front-seat passengers were more likely to use their seat belt than drivers.