A recent two-week "Click It or Ticket" statewide enforcement campaign generated at least 9,324 seat belt citations across Minnesota.
Last year in Minnesota, 373 vehicle occupants were killed in crashes and more than half -- 194 -- were not wearing seat belts. The Department of Public Safety estimates half of those killed could have survived had they been wearing seat belts.
"A seat belt citation is the most effective tool to change motorist behavior," Katherine Burke Moore, deputy director of the state's Office of Traffic Safety said in a news release. "While a majority of Minnesotans do buckle up, unbelted motorists account for about 40 percent of all traffic deaths."
Between May 21 and June 3, the Minnesota State Patrol issued 1,023 seat belt citations, including 85 in Northeastern Minnesota (18 in the Duluth district and 67 in the Virginia district).
Duluth police issued 12 citations, the University of Minnesota Duluth police issued 45, Hermantown police 20, Proctor police 50, St. Louis County Sheriff's deputies 29 and Carlton County 33.
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The known number of citations is expected to increase as more law enforcement agencies submit reports. So far, 327 of the more than 440 participating law enforcement agencies have filed reports with the state.
Minnesota's seat belt use rate is 83 percent. Belt use among young motorists -- who are overrepresented in crashes -- is 74 percent. Pick-up truck drivers have the lowest belt use among all vehicle types at 76 percent compliance.
The fine for not wearing a seat belt is $25, and can total $115 with court costs and administrative fees.
