1 in 5 Virginians don’t wear seat belts: ‘Buckle Up, Phone Down’ campaign reminds teens to drive safe

RICHMOND, Va. (WRIC) — A new initiative is reminding Virginia teens to practice life-saving habits when getting behind the wheel.

The Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) is joining forces with the Virginia High School League (VHSL) to launch the "Buckle Up, Phone Down" campaign, urging drivers to wear seat belts and put down their phones.

"Almost every crash is preventable, and small actions — like buckling up and putting your phone away — save lives," said DMV Commissioner Gerald Lackey. "We are excited to team up with VHSL to reach young drivers where they are: in their schools, at games, and in their communities. Together, we can build a culture of safety that lasts a lifetime."

Motor vehicle crashes remain the leading cause of death for U.S. teens, aged 16 to 19, according to data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Risk factors for teen driver crashes include not using seat belts, distracted driving and drinking alcohol.

Using a seat belt reduces the risk of a fatal injury by nearly 45%, the release said.

According to DRIVE SMART Virginia, 20% of Virginians don't wear their seat belts. Seven percent of drivers aged 15 to 20 years old — the largest proportion in all age groups — were reportedly distracted at the time of the fatal crashes.

The "Buckle Up, Phone Down" message will be broadcast at VHSL events throughout the school year — on promotional materials and across social media platforms. The campaign urges students to commit to safe driving habits and encourage their peers to do the same.