Virginia DMV series features first responders, promotes seat belt use 

In an effort to decrease unrestrained traffic injuries and fatalities, the Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles has launched its 2023 Local Heroes campaign, encouraging drivers and passengers to wear their seat belts.

In 2022, 375 people who weren't wearing their seat belts were killed in crashes in Virginia. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, proper seat belt use reduces the chance of suffering a fatal injury in a crash by nearly half. Virginia's seat belt use rate is 75.6%, according to a 2022 survey.

This year's multimedia campaign features local first responders from the Greater Richmond area, including police officers, paramedics, firefighters and registered nurses, who emphasize the lifesaving habit of wearing a seat belt and urge motorists to buckle up, regardless of how far the trip is or what speed they may be driving.

The campaign will run in the Greater Richmond area through August 31 with a focus on Henrico, Hanover and Chesterfield counties, the City of Richmond and the Tri-Cities. To view the videos, visit DMV’s YouTube page at https://www.youtube.com/user/VirginiaDMV.

“Seat belts save 15,000 lives each year," notes DMV Commissioner Gerald Lackey, "yet far too many people don't choose to make it click. We hope these powerful testimonials will convince those folks to reconsider.”