WILLIAMSBURG — Christy King had visions of celebrating her son Christopher’s milestones — graduations, birthdays, career, wedding. Instead, she celebrates the legislative milestones and positive outcomes of educating others about the danger that led to her son’s death.
Christopher was less than a mile from his home, hanging out with friends and enjoying a summer evening riding in the backseat of a convertible. He had always worn a seatbelt, his mother said, but on this night, sadly, Christopher had let it slip his mind.
A decision that cost him his life.
Wanting to prevent another family from suffering an avoidable loss, Christy started the Christopher King Foundation in his memory to “turn tragedy into purpose.”
Since 2020, Christy has worked diligently to change Virginia seatbelt laws, which, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, fall well below the national usage average. Virginia also has the distinction of being the worst state in terms of seatbelt usage.
Through her efforts, beginning July 1, Virginia will require “all adult passengers in a motor vehicle equipped with a safety belt system to wear such safety belt system when the motor vehicle is in motion on a public highway.” Current law requires adult passengers to wear safety belts when occupying the front seat, as stated in VA HB2475.
“Over 300 unbuckled Virginians lose their lives each year. This bill is about saving lives,” Christy has stated time and time again.
“Every seat. Every age. Every time.” she adds.
Moving forward, Christy says continuing to educate about seatbelt safety is a priority.
“We started a program with Drive Smart Virginia called Junior Speed Busters. We go into elementary schools and the kids go out to monitor driver speeds in school zones,” Christy says, explaining how the program educates students and their families about safe driving practices through seatbelt and distracted driving observations.
On May 17, from 9 a.m. until 1 p.m., the 5th Annual Cars for Chris event will take place at Williamsburg Community Chapel — a new location for the fundraiser. Participants can pre-register their car here. There is no entry fee for spectators.
“This event is a great kickoff for the 100 Deadliest Days of Summer. We will have a huge safe driving awareness area and more resources will be there this year. Plenty of parking and lots of space,” shares Christy.
Reflecting on the accomplishment of the Christopher King Seat Belt Bill going into effect three days before the anniversary of Christopher’s death, Christy feels thankful.
“There was a lot of bipartisan support and I really appreciated that as well as Gov. Youngkin’s support. And, our community — the James City County Police and Fire Department — Chief Jamison and Chief Ashe helped out and wrote letters in support of the bill. This definitely is a local bill. Everyone worked together on it. It is just amazing that this was accomplished. At first, everyone said I would never do it — the seatbelt law hadn’t been touched since 1980. I was a mom on a mission,” Christy said.
“We just want to save as many lives as we can.”
Learn more about The Christopher King Foundation on its webpage or Facebook.
Read more of the King family story here: Saving Lives One Seatbelt at a Time
