17 October 2002: An estimated 500 extra lives were saved on US roads last year with a 2-point increase in the use of seat belts by American motorists, according to the country's National Highway Traffic Safety Administeration.

Average seatbelt usage reached 75 per cent, with 80 per cent being achieved in states which have a 'primary' seatbelt law allowing police penalties for observed non-usage.

The improvement is translates into an additional 6 million users. Some of the strongest gains in seat belt use were in the states participating in the nationwide "Click It or Ticket" enforcement campaign around the Memorial Day holiday. A total of 30 states participated in the campaign.

Ireland has among the poorest use of seatbelts in Europe, with estimates suggesting only a 50 per cent usage, despite penalties being available.