As the one-year anniversary of Gov. Jon Corzine's near-fatal car accident approaches, the politician says his crash has brought him closer to the struggles of New Jersey residents.

Corzine, who now says he wears his seat belt whenever he travels, says the accident gave him more reason to fight for legislation to help New Jersey residents get paid leave to care for sick family members. The governor now avoids the state's highways and travels more frequently by helicopter.

The governor's crash may have helped inspire New Jersey residents to buckle up. Since his accident, seat belt use is up from 90 percent to nearly 92 percent.

The governor has scheduled a news conference at the governor's mansion Monday and is expected to discuss the anniversary.