Californians are buckling up in record numbers

Seat belt usage by California motorists is at a record high, 94.6 percent, according to an annual survey commissioned by the state Office of Traffic Safety.

That's an improvement of more than 2 percent during the past two years. In 2005, the figure was 92.5 percent. Last year it rose to 93.4 percent.

"The increase this year means an estimated 372,000 more Californians are buckling up," said business, transportation and housing secretary Dale Bonner, who announced the new record at the annual California Law Enforcement Challenge Awards in San Diego.

The California Highway Patrol and local police departments have increased public awareness of the lifesaving benefits of wearing a seat belt during the past year.

In 2006, the CHP issued 254,328 citations to drivers and passengers caught not wearing seat belts. Fines have significantly increased over the past two years.