CHICAGO, IL - Travelers on Illinois roadways are buckling up at higher rates than ever.

Gov. Pat Quinn announced Friday that nearly 94 percent of front-seat passengers were using seat belts as of June. That's a slight increase from nearly 93 percent a year ago. It's also above the national average of 84 percent.

The governor also reminded people to drive safely during the Labor Day weekend.

Quinn credits new legislation for the increase in seat-belt use.

A 2003 Illinois law allows police to pull over drivers solely because of seat-belt violations. The governor's office says that seat-belt usage has climbed every year since the law was enacted.

Another law that went into effect earlier this year requires that all passengers buckle up, including anyone riding in the back seat.