Bay of Plenty drivers are buckling up more than others, according to new figures released by the Ministry of Transport.
A Government survey showed most New Zealanders wear safety belts when in the front seat with a significant increase in people doing so over the last 10 years, rising from 94 per cent to 97 per cent nationwide.
Safety belt usage increased since the last survey the Bay, as well as Auckland, Gisborne, Hawke's Bay, Manawatu, Wellington, Canterbury and Otago.
Wearing rates decreased in Waikato, Taranaki and West Coast, while Northland, Nelson-Marlborough-Tasman and Southland did not show any significant change.
The increase in safety belt wearing is mirrored by a decrease in fatalities. In 2013, there were 37 fatalities where the vehicle occupant was unrestrained at the time of the crash, compared with 83 in 2004.
The survey showed nationwide that males were less likely to wear safety belts than females - 97 per cent of male drivers and 94 per cent of male front seat passengers were observed wearing safety belts, compared with 98 per cent of both female drivers and passengers.
Leo Mortimer, ministry manager land transport safety said the results were a concern.
"Wearing a safety belt is a road safety basic, and should be second nature to anyone travelling in a vehicle. A responsible driver should ensure they and their passengers are wearing their safety belts. Not only is it a legal requirement for drivers and passengers to be restrained, but it may save their lives."
Around 20 lives a year could be saved if safety belts were always worn.
The survey looked at front seat safety belt rates, with separate surveys for examining rear seat safety belt and child restraints. Previous surveys are available on the Ministry of Transport's website.