State says seat belt use up from last year

The Department of Public Safety said today that belt use has risen since Minnesota passed a law allowing police to cite drivers solely for not buckling up.

Cheri Marti, the department's director of traffic safety, said an annual survey showed seat belt use is at an all-time high of 90 percent, compared to 87 percent last year.

The new law took effect in June, and requires drivers and all passengers to wear seat belts.

The State Patrol also announced a stepped up enforcement campaign, starting Friday. Troopers and other police across the state will be working overtime and using spotters to crack down on unbelted motorists.

The extra enforcement runs through October 22.