COLUMBIA (WACH) -- South Carolina is buckling up at a record rate.
A survey conducted by USC shows a nearly four percent increase from one year ago in motorists who are wearing safety belts.
According to the data, 85 percent of motorists buckle up. That's the highest usage rate in the state's history.
Officials at the Department of Public Safety say enforcement and education are behind the high marks.
And the State Highway Patrol reports that fatalities have declined since the beginning of the 100 Deadly Days of Summer, the period from Memorial day to Labor Day.
As of June 30, there have been 50 highway fatalities compared to 99 during a similar period in 2009.
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