(AP) -- COLUMBIA, S.C. (AP) - South Carolina Public Safety officials say a new survey shows more drivers in the state are buckling up than ever before.

The State of Columbia reports the University of South Carolina survey in June found more than 85 percent of drivers and passengers were wearing seat belts, up from the previous best rate in the state of 81 percent.

Public Safety Department Director Mark Keel says the survey confirms troopers are getting out the message of how wearing seat beats can save lives.

Authorities say nearly 400 people who weren't buckled up died on South Carolina roads in 2009.

The university based the survey on traffic counts and observations in 16 counties.

(Copyright 2010 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)

(Copyright ©2010 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)