The Department of Transportation says seat belt use has remained stagnant at 79 percent compared to the nationwide average of 85 percent. Use among Missouri teens increased by a single percentage point from 66 percent to 67 percent.
Officials say 62 percent of the more than 600 roadway deaths this year were not wearing a seat belt.
Missouri law officers will be participating Monday in a statewide enforcement effort focused on seat belts and child restraints.