Updated March 25, 2019

Tennessee drivers are buckling up behind the wheel in record numbers.

The Tennessee Highway Safety Office announced last week a significant increase in the state’s overall seatbelt usage rate when compared to previous years.

According to the state office, 90.9 percent of drivers used their seatbelt in 2018 increasing from 88.5 percent in 2017. This marks the first year Tennessee’s usage rate surpassed 90 percent, exceeding the national average of 90.1 percent.

These new statistics have been certified by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.