DPS: Teens in some areas aren't buckling up

The Minnesota Department of Public Safety says teens in the state's northwest and southern corners aren't buckling up as much as their peers in other parts of the state.

Mapping done by DPS also found that teen seat belt use in the seven-county metro area is above average - except for in Ramsey and Washington Counties.

DPS mapped problem spots for teen drivers and their teen passengers based on the percentage of belted deaths.

Officials say that historically, teens have the lowest seat belt compliance rate of all age groups.

The department's study shows that from 2005 through 2009, 201 teenagers between the ages of 13 and 19 were killed while driving or riding as a passenger with a teen driver. Of those killed, only 40 percent wore their seat belts.

(Copyright 2010 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)

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