DRIVE SMART Virginia offers help to stay safe over congested Labor Day weekend

RICHMOND, Va. (WRIC) -- For drivers planning to hit the road this weekend for Labor Day, DRIVE SMART Virginia is offering some helpful tips, so drivers' trips are smooth.

Drivers can expect our area highways to be congested this weekend, and DRIVE SMART Virginia Public Relations and Outreach Manager Rich Jacobs said the "biggest" way to stay safe is to wear a seatbelt.

According to the latest annual report from DRIVE SMART Virginia, 322 people died in 2024 because they did not buckle up their seatbelts. Virginia law also requires all drivers and passengers to wear a seatbelt while driving, regardless of where they are sitting.

"It can make the difference between going to the hospital and going to the morgue. It's that simple," Jacobs said. "They're there for a reason. The airbags do not replace seatbelts. They have to be used together: they're a safety system that works together. So, if you don't wear your seatbelt, you're defeating part of that system that's designed to protect you."

Jacobs explained there are other ways to prevent any loss of life, including keeping your eye out for the speed limit, putting down any distractions like cell phones and not driving while drunk or high.

Looking out for other drivers is another way to keep everyone safe, officials said.

"A bit of common courtesy out there can go a long way to reducing problems," Jacobs said. "If somebody is signaling to merge, let them merge. If you want to merge, use your turn signal. Just simple things like that can make a lot safer holiday for everybody who's traveling."

Jacobs also encouraged drivers to take breaks by pulling over if they need to rest for a little while.