Motorists in southeastern Minnesota are buckling up at a higher rate than anywhere else in the state according to the Minnesota Department of Transportation.  Mn-DOT says the rate of seat belt use in the region is at 86.7%, percent up two percent.
                 
The survey results were announced in connection with a statewide "Toward Zero Deaths" seat belt enforcement effort that lasted through October 26th.  The observational survey was conducted in eleven counties, including Winona County.
                  
The rate was the highest among five different regions in Minnesota. The second highest was in east-central Minnesota which had a rate of 85.1%.