PORTLAND (AP) – A new survey by the Maine Bureau of Highway Safety shows that more motorists are buckling up.

The latest survey this summer showed 76 percent of motorists used seat belts, a 3 percent increase from the 2004 survey and up from 59 percent two years ago.

Much of the improvement was the result of a “Buckle Up-No Excuses” campaign during the past two years, said Lauren Stewart, bureau director.

Public Safety Commission Michael Cantara said he was pleased at Maine’s progress but noted that the state still lags behind the national average of 82 percent.