COLUMBIA, S.C. - About 70 percent of state drivers use seat belts, but South Carolinians don't buckle up as much as people in other states, according to an observational survey conducted by the University of South Carolina.

State seat belt usage has gone up four percentage points to 69.7 percent since 2004, according to the survey, conducted by the department of statistics. The national average is 80 percent.

James Schweitzer, director of the Public Safety Department, said the survey suggests that more motorists are buckling up. But his agency, the state Transportation Department and other law enforcement agencies will be making an effort to inform drivers of the new seat belt law, which takes effect Dec. 9.

The new law allows police officers to pull over drivers if anyone in the car is not wearing a seat belt. Under the old law, officers could ticket adult drivers for seat belt violations only if the car was first stopped for another offense.

The survey was conducted in 16 counties at traffic lights or stop signs where an observer could view passing vehicles.

The highest seat belt rates was recorded in Pickens County at 76.2 percent. The lowest rates were in Chester County with 61.9 percent of seat belt use.