Updated August 19, 2019

A new study released this month indicates Tennessee drivers are buckling up and leading the nation in taking the initiative to do so.

A study found that Tennessee ranked fifth in increased seat belt usage between 2000 and 2017, reviewing 17 years of data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

According to the state office, 90.9 percent of drivers used their seat belt in 2018, increasing from 88.5 percent in 2017.

THSO Director Vic Donoho said Tennessee is the 24th state to achieve 90 percent seat belt usage. We appreciate the substantial efforts made by the legislature, law enforcement, and communities like Giles County to reach this milestone. Moving forward, we will continue striving to achieve 100 percent.

Although drivers may be bucking up, more are losing their lives on Tennessee roads.

The Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security reports there were 1,047 traffic fatalities in Tennessee in 2018, a 2.2% increase from the previous year.

The report show of those 1,047 fatalities, 299 were not wearing their seat belt.

Tennessee Highway Patrol troopers continue to encourage drivers in Giles County and southern Middle Tennessee to use their seat belts.