It has been reported that a record number of Americans are buckling up when they drive but U. S. officials say they are directing a new program at the 45 million who still neglect to do.

The Department Of Transportation said in a release on Monday that U. S. Secretary of Transportation Ray LaHood announced a national "Click It or Ticket" enforcement program, encouraging motorists to wear seatbelts and promising citations for those who don't.

LaHood said, "We've made great strides to get Americans to buckle up, but we must not rest on our laurels. Not wearing your seatbelt is a serious, life-threatening practice. If you are one of the 45 million Americans who won't buckle up, our Click It or Ticket enforcement mobilization will be looking for you."

Federal officials also said that National Highway Traffic Safety Administration statistics show an average of 38 people not using seat belts are killed each day.

The NHTSA said that least likely to buckle up are teens, young adults, males, nighttime riders, motorists traveling on rural roads and people traveling in pickup trucks.