Drivers in Pennsylvania merit praise for compiling the highest rate of seat-belt use since the state Department of Transportation began surveying such usage in 1988.

Use of seat belts has reached 83.3 percent this year, up from 81.8 percent in 2004. PennDOT compiled this year's figure by observing front-seat occupants on interstate highways, limited-access highways and other roads during commuting and non-commuting periods and weekends over a two-week time frame in June.

PennDOT estimates that with every percentage point increase in seat-belt usage, eight to 12 lives will be saved. In 2004, 578 unbuckled fatalities occurred on the commonwealth's roadways.

State law requires all front-seat passengers to be buckled up.

PennDOT credits the "Click It or Ticket. Two Fines. Two Tickets." Campaign, initiated in May 2002, for being a big asset in encouraging vehicle occupants to buckle up. Allen D. Biehler, state secretary of transportation, also credited efforts by state and local police, Buckle Up PA, the state Department of Health, Comprehensive Highway Safety Coordinators, PA SAFE KIDS Coalition, Students Against Destructive Decisions, the Pennsylvania AAA Federation and the Pennsylvania DUI Association for also helping to deliver the buckle-up message.

It is good that PennDOT continues to monitor seat-belt-law compliance and takes the time to report its findings to the public.

An 83.3 percent usage rate is excellent but, of course, there still is much room for improvement.