The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration released new government research stating that nationwide seat belt use reached 86% this year, up from 84% in 2011 after it had dipped from 85% in 2010. Seat belt use has been steadily increasing since 1994, when only 58% of passengers were wearing seat belts, according the government survey. Seat belt use increased impressively in the South – from 80% in 2011 to 85% in 2012.