DENVER -- The number of professional truckers buckling up their seat belts jumped dramatically in 2007 to a record level of 65 percent, U.S. Secretary of Transportation Mary E. Peters announced today during a national conference of state commercial vehicle law enforcement officers.

WASHINGTON - The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration today unveiled a public service announcement featuring former NASCAR driver Rusty Wallace, currently an analyst for ESPN and ABC Sports, who reminds truckers that they have a responsibility to drive safely and buckle up. The PSA, Be Buckled. Be Ready., is aimed at increasing the number of truckers who regularly use a safety belt.