Worst States for Buckling Up

Despite Vermont's relatively high seatbelt usage rate of 90.4%, it stands on the lower end of the nation, just missing the top 25. Notably, even in a state with commendable compliance, there remains room for improvement.

Vermont reported a concerning 47% of total fatalities in 2019, where individuals were unrestrained.

Pennsylvania's seatbelt usage rate is also lower than desired, at 89.9%, underscoring the importance of continued efforts to promote seatbelt awareness and enforcement initiatives.

Pennsylvania exhibits a high percentage of 48% of total fatalities attributed to unrestrained individuals.

New Mexico falls behind with a troubling seatbelt usage rate of 89.8%, showing the state has much room for improvement.

New Mexico demonstrates a worrying 41% of total fatalities involving unrestrained individuals.

Georgia's seatbelt usage rate is subpar, at 89.3%, highlighting the importance of sustained efforts to educate motorists about the critical role of seatbelt usage in preventing injuries and saving lives on the road.

Georgia shows a troubling 39% of total fatalities where individuals were unrestrained.

Missouri struggles with a seatbelt usage rate of 88.9%, emphasizing the need for comprehensive strategies to promote greater adherence to seatbelt safety regulations and mitigate the risk of traffic-related fatalities.

Missouri ranks among the worst states, with a staggering 59% of total fatalities involving unrestrained individuals.

Florida has a law requiring front-seat passengers only to buckle up. Unfortunately, that may not be doing much for rear-seat passengers as 42% of fatalities involved persons not buckled up.

Florida's seatbelt usage rate is disappointing, at 88.3%, signaling the need for targeted interventions and public awareness campaigns to address barriers to seatbelt compliance and reduce the incidence of preventable injuries and fatalities.

South Dakota's seatbelt usage rate is also much lower than desired at 88.1%. While seatbelts are required by law, not wearing them is only a secondary offense.

South Dakota exhibits a high percentage of 53% of total fatalities involving unrestrained individuals.

Idaho's seatbelt usage rate is less than ideal, at 87.6%, highlighting the necessity for sustained efforts to raise awareness about seatbelt safety within the state.

Idaho demonstrates a worrying 49% of total fatalities where individuals were unrestrained.

Wisconsin ranks low with a troubling seatbelt usage rate of 87.5%, despite the fact that not wearing a seatbelt can result in a primary traffic citation.

Wisconsin shows a concerning 38% of total fatalities attributed to unrestrained individuals.

Kansas ranks among the worst states, with a staggering 43% of total fatalities involving unrestrained individuals.

Kansas demonstrates poor seatbelt usage, with a rate of just 87.2%, calling attention to the need for targeted interventions and policy measures to promote greater adherence to seatbelt safety regulations.

Rhode Island's seatbelt usage rate is subpar, at 87.1%, indicating opportunities for enhanced enforcement measures and educational campaigns to bolster seatbelt utilization and reduce the risk of fatalities.

Rhode Island reports a concerning 51% of total fatalities where individuals were unrestrained.

Arizona exhibits a high percentage of 46% of total fatalities involving unrestrained individuals.

Arizona falls short with a concerning seatbelt usage rate of 87%, ranking just under Rhode Island’s reported seatbelt use.

Colorado struggles with a disappointing seatbelt usage rate of 87%, demonstrating the importance of collaborative efforts between government agencies, law enforcement, and community stakeholders to address barriers to seatbelt usage.

Colorado demonstrates a worrying 51% of total fatalities attributed to unrestrained individuals.

Kentucky has among the lowest seatbelt use rates, at 86.7%. This is reflected in the number of casualties, which are in part caused by not wearing a seatbelt.

Kentucky shows a concerning 50% of total fatalities where individuals were unrestrained.

Louisiana ranks among the worst states for seatbelt use, with a staggering 51% of total fatalities involving unrestrained individuals.

Louisiana has a concerning seatbelt usage rate of 86.1%, indicating persistent challenges in achieving widespread adherence to seatbelt safety regulations despite ongoing efforts to promote awareness.

Making the top 10 worst states for buckling up, Ohio's seatbelt usage rate is lacking at 80.8%, highlighting the need to promote seatbelt safety across the state.

Ohio reports a concerning 48% of total fatalities attributed to unrestrained individuals. In the state, only front passengers are required to buckle – and that’s only as a secondary citation.

Coming in as the ninth worst state, North Dakota falls behind with a disappointing seatbelt usage rate of 80.6%, suggesting that multifaceted approaches are needed to address barriers to seatbelt compliance.

North Dakota exhibits a high percentage of 46% of total fatalities involving unrestrained individuals.

Oklahoma's seatbelt usage rate is notably low at 80%, emphasizing the importance of targeted interventions and community engagement initiatives to increase seatbelt utilization across the state.

Oklahoma demonstrates a worrying 48% of total fatalities where individuals were unrestrained.

Arkansas demonstrates poor seatbelt usage, with a rate of just 79.1%, indicating gaps in enforcement and education efforts aimed at promoting seatbelt safety among residents.

Arkansas shows a concerning 47% of total fatalities attributed to unrestrained individuals. In the state, only front seats are required to buckle.

Mississippi may have stricter laws about seatbelts, but its residents don’t seem to be listening. According to the NHTSA, Mississippi has the lowest seatbelt usage rates, reporting only 78.9%.

Mississippi suffers from a staggering 55% of total fatalities involving unrestrained individuals.

Wyoming struggles with seatbelt usage, with a rate of 78.3%. It has the fifth worst seatbelt usage in the country.

Wyoming reports a concerning 45% of total fatalities where individuals were unrestrained. In 2019, 48 out of 107 fatalities involved unrestrained occupants.

Massachusetts suffers from a seatbelt usage rate of just 77%, making it the fourth worst in seatbelt use. Massachusetts enforces seatbelts only as a secondary violation.

Massachusetts exhibits a high percentage of 49% of total fatalities involving unrestrained individuals.

Nebraska, enforcing only front seatbelt use, reported a mere 76.3% seatbelt usage rate, making it the third worst state.

Nebraska demonstrates a worrying 47% of total fatalities attributed to unrestrained individuals.

New Hampshire shows a concerning 62% of total fatalities where individuals were unrestrained. This is the highest percentage of fatalities where individuals were unrestrained in the entire country.

Interestingly, New Hampshire admitted to having a seatbelt problem, reporting a usage rate of just 75.7%. New Hampshire happens to be the only state without a seatbelt mandate of any kind. Ultimately, this proves the importance of seatbelt laws and education regarding seatbelt safety.

Virginia ranks as the worst state in seatbelt use, not only because of its 54% of total fatalities involving unrestrained individuals but its reported usage as well.

Virginia ranked last thanks to its seatbelt usage rate of 75.6% in 2022, an astounding 10% lower than its usage in 2019.