Day on Torts
The use of seat belts continues to increase in the United States.
Seat belt use in 2009 stood at 84 percent, a gain from 83 percent use in 2008. This result is from the National Occupant Protection Use Survey (NOPUS) which is the only survey that provides nationwide probability-based observed data on seat belt use in the United States.
Vehicle occupants in Tennessee and other southern states continue to use seat belts at a level less than the national average (82%). Those in pickup trucks have the lowest rate of use (74%).