HAMPTON ROADS — Drive Safe Hampton Roads is launching a teen seat belt challenge to mark National Teen Driver Safety Week Oct. 19-25.
Drive Safe Hampton Roads is using the week to remind parents and teen drivers that safe driving is a habit that must be learned and practiced, and said one of the most important habits for all drivers and passengers is to buckle up.
DSHR is a nonprofit regional coalition with a mission to improve highway safety and reduce injuries and deaths from vehicle crashes.
Drive Safe Hampton Roads is working with Hampton Roads high schools to increase seat belt use among teens through its Get It Together High School Seat Belt Challenge. Students work with school administrators and DSHR volunteers to educate and reinforce buckling up to their peers and school personnel.
According to DSHR, through a series of projects, activities, and observational seat belt checks, high schools are challenged to increase overall seat belt use. Schools that increase seat belt usage by the end of the Get It Together Challenge are recognized for their accomplishments at an awards ceremony.
“The Get It Together High School Seat Belt Challenge has made a difference in Hampton Roads for over 20 years,” said Holly Dalby, Occupant Protection Chair for Drive Safe Hampton Roads. “Over this time, Drive Safe Hampton Roads has collaborated with partners such as AAA Tidewater Virginia, State Farm, Christopher King Foundation, Farmers Insurance, and the Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles to promote traffic safety initiatives focused on teen drivers.”
“We continue to invest in teen traffic safety with the ultimate goal of achieving 100% seat belt use among all teens in our region,” she added.
DSHR notes traffic crashes are a leading cause of death for 15-20 year olds in the United States. In Virginia, teen drivers — 15-19 years old — represented 38 of the 918 fatalities in 2024. This is an increase of 18.8% over 2023. Of those 38 fatalities, 27 were unrestrained, according to the DMV’s 2024 Annual Crash Facts report.
“This is unacceptable,” said Dalby. “Seat belt use proves to reduce injuries and fatalities, and we must reinforce this fundamental driving habit from the earliest age.”
