Results from a 2025 Safety Belt Observational Study show that seat belt use in Massachusetts increased for the third consecutive year, and reached a record high for the commonwealth.

“We know that seat belts save lives, and it’s so important that seat belt usage continues to increase every year in Massachusetts,” Gov. Maura Healey said in statement released Monday. “We’re grateful for the hard work of our partners in transportation, public safety and local governments to enhance safety on the roads for us all.”

In addition, Massachusetts experienced fewer fatal crashes in 2025 than in the previous year. The Massachusetts Department of Transportation recorded 342 fatal motor vehicle crashes in 2025, compared to 364 in 2024.

During 25 days last June, a total of 24,662 drivers and front outboard passengers in 23,298 vehicles were observed at 147 observation locations across the state.

The annual study is mandated by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, and has been conducted every year in Massachusetts except 2020, amid the COVID-19 pandemic. Usage rates dipped in 2021 and 2022 before returning to their upward trend. Since 2015, seat belt use in Massachusetts has increased by more than 10%.

The observational study found that occupants identified as female continued to use seat belts at a substantially higher rate of 90% than those identified as male at almost 82%.

Seat belt usage among Hispanic occupants increased significantly, rising from almost 71% in 2024 to more than 77% in 2025. Black occupants also showed improvement. White occupants rose modestly to roughly 86%, while those categorized as “Other” decreased from almost 92% to just under 89%.

Other interesting data points from the study show that New Hampshire drivers have closed the seat belt gap with their Massachusetts neighbors.

“Vehicles registered in Massachusetts continued to show high seat belt usage at 85.58%, with a modest increase from 2024,” the report said. “Notably, vehicles registered in New Hampshire experienced a sharp 11.16 percentage point increase to 85.43%, effectively closing the longstanding gap with Massachusetts rates.”

Seat belt usage by vehicle type showed continued disparities. SUVs maintained the highest usage rate at almost 90%, while pickup trucks remained low at less than 73%.

Middlesex County had higher seat belt rates than either Suffolk or Norfolk counties.

But Bristol County, which includes major cities like Fall River, New Bedford, Taunton and Attleboro, along with numerous towns such as Dartmouth, Easton, Mansfield, Swansea and Westport, continued to exhibit the lowest usage rate at 78%.

Between 2016 and 2020, traffic fatalities were highest in Bristol and Hampden County, which includes Springfield, Chicopee and Holyoke, along with 20 other communities.

Among roadway classifications, primary roads (interstates) saw the highest belt usage at 87%, with a more than 2 percentage-point increase. Secondary roads remained steady at more than 85%, while local roads increased modestly.

According to the study, teens and adults 65 and older decreased in seat belt usage, while passengers 12 and under and adults increased. Both weekday and weekend usage also increased.

Massachusetts law states that a driver stopped by police may receive a citation if not wearing a seat belt or for any passenger who is unrestrained or not in a proper child safety seat (for children age 8 or younger who are under 57 inches tall). Any passenger aged 16 or older found not wearing a seat belt can also receive a citation.

The state’s announcement highlighted the continued efforts of state agencies and local law enforcement partners to promote seat belt use and improve roadway safety across Massachusetts.

“Our role as a law enforcement agency is not just enforcement, but education: helping families understand how to protect themselves and their children every time they get in a vehicle,” Massachusetts State Police Col. Geoffrey Noble said. “We’re encouraged to see more Massachusetts residents choosing to buckle up, because those small, everyday decisions make our roads safer for everyone.”