Make Buckling Up a Thanksgiving Tradition, Say State Police

As millions of Virginians prepare to travel for Thanksgiving, Virginia State Police are reminding everyone of one simple habit that could save lives this holiday season: wearing your seatbelt.

This year, the message carries even more weight. A new Virginia state law now requires every person in a vehicle, regardless of age or seat position, to be properly buckled up. Previously, only front seat passengers and those under 18 were required by law to wear seatbelts.

The updated law is named after Christopher King, an 18-year-old who died in a crash where a seatbelt might have saved him. His mother, Christy King, helped push for the law to protect others from the same tragedy.

“As we gather with loved ones this Thanksgiving, I’m reminded of how quickly a family can be changed forever,” King said. “We urge every Virginian to please buckle up, every trip, every time. It’s the simplest act of love you can give your family this holiday season.”

In the past two Thanksgiving weekends, more than half of fatal crashes in Virginia involved people who were not wearing seatbelts, or where it was unclear if seatbelts were used. In 2024 alone, eight people died in crashes over Thanksgiving weekend. Of those, only two were confirmed to be wearing seatbelts. One fatality involved a motorcycle.

“We want Virginians to spend time with their families this Thanksgiving,” said Colonel Matthew D. Hanley, Superintendent of Virginia State Police. “We also want them to get to their destination and back home safely. We are asking everyone to please buckle up, as well as drive sober, distraction-free, and under the speed limit.”

Buckle Up, Drive Safe, Stay Sober

The Thanksgiving reminder comes alongside national and statewide campaigns focused on safe driving. Click It or Ticket, a well-known seatbelt safety campaign, is running through the holidays, along with Mothers Against Drunk Driving’s (MADD) winter DUI-prevention campaign.

In addition, Virginia State Police will once again participate in Operation C.A.R.E. (Crash Awareness and Reduction Effort), a five-day traffic safety initiative beginning 12:01 a.m. on Wednesday, November 26, and ending 11:59 p.m. on Sunday, November 30.

During last year’s Operation C.A.R.E. weekend:

• 404 drivers were cited for not wearing seatbelts
• 116 drivers were cited for child safety seat violations
• 77 drivers were arrested for Driving Under the Influence (DUI)
• 3,638 drivers were cited for speeding
• Over 1,700 drivers were cited for reckless driving
• 1,182 crashes were reported, 129 of which resulted in injuries

State Police say they will increase their road visibility again this year in hopes of preventing similar outcomes.

Safer Roads, Stronger Communities

In addition to safety, enforcement helps support Virginia communities. Fines collected from traffic violations go toward the state’s Literary Fund, which supports public school construction, technology upgrades, and teacher retirement programs.

Virginia law enforcement officials are urging all travelers to not only buckle up but also follow basic safety measures:

• Don’t drive distracted
• Don’t drive under the influence of alcohol or drugs
• Obey speed limits and road signs
• Use caution in high deer areas, especially in the early morning or evening
• Follow the “Move Over” law when emergency vehicles or tow trucks are on the roadside

For more information on seatbelt safety or to review travel safety tips, visit www.vsp.virginia.gov or dmv.virginia.gov.