Statewide Teen “Buckle Up/Slow Down” Initiative Underway in Virginia

A new student-led safety push is rolling across Virginia this fall with a simple message: buckle up and slow down. The Drive for Change: Buckle Up and Slow Down project, led by Youth of Virginia Speak Out About Traffic Safety (YOVASO), runs September 15–November 14, 2025, and invites middle and high schools—and youth groups of all kinds—to run peer-to-peer campaigns that make safer choices the norm.

This effort lines up with National Teen Driver Safety Week (October 19–25) and gives participating groups free toolkits, lesson ideas, posters, social media graphics, and planning help. The goal is clear and urgent. In 2024, 64% of fatal crashes involving a teen driver in Virginia were speed-related, and 56% of teens killed in crashes were not wearing a seat belt. Those numbers point to choices we can change.

“The Drive for Change Project gives teens the opportunity to become leaders for traffic safety,” said Callie Toler, YOVASO Program & Curriculum Coordinator. “When young people lead by example, buckling up, slowing down, and encouraging their friends to do the same, they have the power to save lives.”

What does that look like in schools? Teams are building creative activities that fit their communities: seat belt checks during morning arrival, lunchtime “slow down” pledge walls, safety challenges tied to school spirit days, and short videos made by students for students. Some groups are planning evening events with parents to talk about curfews, passenger limits, and how to set family rules that stick. Others are using student broadcasters to share quick safety tips during announcements.

The project also reaches younger teens and pre-teens. Middle school programming focuses on passenger rights, Virginia’s seat belt laws, and how to speak up when a ride doesn’t feel safe. If students learn to buckle up and to ask drivers to slow down before they ever get a license, those habits are more likely to stick.

Because October also brings Halloween, YOVASO added a seasonal safety piece. High school leaders are visiting elementary schools to share trick-or-treat tips, remind kids about bright costumes and flashlights, and talk about looking both ways and using sidewalks. Teens also discuss why seat belts matter on every ride—even short trips on side streets.

At the end of the campaign window, schools and youth groups will be evaluated on participation, creativity, education impact, and changes in seat belt use. State Farm® is funding prizes to keep the momentum going: $500 for the top high school, $300 for the top middle school, and $100 runner-up awards in both divisions. Winners will be announced January 9, 2026.

“From Car Seat to Driver’s Seat™ State Farm is committed to keeping everyone safe on our roadways,” said Rasheed Merritt, Assistant Vice President of Corporate Responsibility at State Farm. “We are excited to work with YOVASO and support the delivery of more educational resources to young drivers to help them stay safer behind the wheel and/or as passengers.”

Signing up is free and open to any Virginia high school, middle school, or youth organization. Registration includes access to the full resource kit and support from YOVASO staff. Groups can register at www.yovaso.org/driveforchange or by contacting Callie Toler at 540-375-9500 or Callie.Toler@vsp.virginia.gov.

Why this matters now: Teen drivers are still learning judgment and skill. Speed and not wearing a seatbelt turn small mistakes into life-changing crashes. Buckling up cuts the risk of deadly injury, and slowing down gives drivers time to react—two actions that cost nothing but save lives. When teens lead the message, their friends listen. A quick reminder at the curb. A nudge to put the phone away. A calm, “Can we slow down?” in the passenger seat. These are small choices that add up.

YOVASO is Virginia’s peer-to-peer young driver and passenger safety program within the Virginia State Police, supported by the Virginia DMV. The program is free, and 140 schools and youth groups already participate. With Drive for Change, the message is local, the leaders are students, and the impact can reach every hallway, parking lot, and car line in the Commonwealth.

Buckle up. Slow down. Lead by example. Let’s make safer driving a school culture—not just a slogan.