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A recent Kansas study shows most children are using seatbelts, though rates differ by age and location, according to the Kansas Traffic Safety Resource Office. The 2024–2025 survey found that about 88.5% of children ages 0–17 were properly restrained.

Seatbelt use was highest among preschoolers at 95%, followed by elementary and middle school children at 87% and 86%, respectively. High school teens had the lowest rate at 84%.

Overall, belt use among children ages 0–14 has steadily improved since the early 2000s, rising from about 55% in 2002–2003 to 89% in 2024–2025. The study also found higher usage in urban counties (87%) compared with rural counties (83%).

Children were far more likely to be buckled when drivers also wore seatbelts, with 95% restrained when the driver was belted versus 24% when the driver was not. Observed distractions among high school drivers, such as phone use, dropped to about 8%.

The findings show progress in child passenger safety but proved the need for continued education and enforcement to keep young passengers safe on Kansas roads.