Seat-belt use has reached an all-time high for front-seat vehicle occupants, according to the Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT). Meanwhile, back seat belt use is just below 85 percent.
A 2012 law requires all passengers to buckle up regardless of where they sit.
However, the agency says fatalities on Illinois roads have increased in recent months.
Jared Thornley, IDOT Director of Traffic Safety, says it's equally important for rear-seat passengers to buckle up.
“Too many preventable injuries and fatalities continue to happen to passengers in the back seat," Thornley said. "Increasing seat belt use means fewer deaths and serious injuries. It’s that simple."
Programs like "Click It or Ticket" are used to continue raising awareness and enforce safety belt laws.
