More New Jerseyans than ever are using front seat belts. But a recent observational survey conducted by the New Jersey Institute of Technology also shows a sharp decline in seat belt use by back seat passengers. State highway safety officials say the survey showed front seat belt usage has increased to a record 93.73 percent, an increase of slightly more than 1 percent over last year.
But only 27 percent of adults are buckling up in the back seat. That’s about 5 percent less than in 2009.
And the number of back seat passengers between ages 8 and 18 using seat belts also declined from 53 percent to just under 37 percent.
Overall, back seat belt usage rate dropped to 48 percent, down from 52 percent. AP
Ticketing front passengers as a primary offense will do that. Once they start ticketing rear passengers, usage’ll go up. Have faith!