KAPAA, Kauai » Seat-belt use across the state dipped slightly during this year's “;Click it or Ticket”; campaign, but remained more than 95 percent, according to figures released by the state Department of Transportation.

Just over 97 percent of drivers and passengers observed from May 12 through June 1 this year had their seat belts on, according to the “;Click it or Ticket”; report, which is compiled by the University of Hawaii's Department of Urban and Regional Planning.

While still one of the highest rates in the nation, it was below last year's record 97.6 percent rate, according to the report.

Vehicle occupants on Kauai had their highest compliance rate ever, with 98.76 percent of drivers buckling up. The mark was also the highest rate ever recorded in the state, according to Kauai County officials.

“;Kudos go to Kauai residents for achieving a milestone,”; said Lt. Mark Scribner, head of the Kauai Police Department's Traffic Safety Unit in a statement. “;We want to thank everyone for buckling up and doing their part to keep our roads safe.”;

Maui followed with 98.42 percent, a jump of almost 3 percentage points from last year, followed by 97 percent for the Big Island and 96.22 percent for Oahu.

According to the report, the data is compiled by observers at 139 sites around the state.

“;Click it or Ticket”; is a nationwide campaign aimed at increasing awareness that wearing a seat belt can save lives during an accident, transportation officials said.

In Hawaii, all back-seat passengers younger than 18 and front-seat occupants must wear a seat belt. Violators are subject to a $92 fine.