DENVER, Colo. — The number of professional truckers buckling up their seatbelts jumped dramatically in 2007 to a record level of 65%. US Secretary of Transportation Mary E. Peters made the announcement during a national conference of state commercial vehicle law enforcement officers.

“Though we’ve made great strides, we won’t rest until 100% of commercial motor vehicle drivers wear a seatbelt 100% of the time,” said Secretary Peters.

Currently, 82% of passenger vehicle drivers wear seatbelts. A survey conducted in 2003 found that only 48% of truck drivers used seatbelts. In 2006, this figure had improved to 59%. The results announced by Secretary Peters were the findings of the largest and most comprehensive study ever conducted, officials said.

Secretary Peters credited the increase, in part, to the creation of a coalition established by the DoT in 2003 with the purpose of increasing seatbelt usage among truck drivers. She also credited a 2007 public service announcement the DoT produced starring NASCAR driver Rusty Wallace for helping to raise seatbelt awareness among truckers.