Seat Belt Safety

Motor vehicle crashes are a leading cause of death among
those aged 1-54 in the U.S. 

A woman with shoulder-length brown hair sitting in the front passenger seat of a car, fastening her seatbelt. She is wearing a sleeveless green top and light-colored pants, with a view of the outdoors through the car window.

It’s the Law

In New Mexico, all occupants in a vehicle must be properly restrained in all seating positions. Seat belts and car seats save lives — buckle up every ride, every time!

New Mexico Occupant Seat Belt Observation Study

Each year, the New Mexico Department of Transportation Traffic Safety Division measures how many drivers and passengers are wearing seat
belts during the day and at night across the state.

This information helps identify areas with lower seat belt use, where added enforcement and outreach can make the biggest difference.

In 2024, New Mexico reached a record-high seat belt use rate of 93.6%—exceeding both the national average and the federal target seat belt use rate of 90%.

Efforts like visible law enforcement and stronger media campaigns continue to play a key role in encouraging seat belt use and keeping families safer on New Mexico roads.