PORTSMOUTH, Va. (WAVY) – The Youth of Virginia Speak Out About Traffic Safety (YOVASO)’s project, Drive for Change: Buckle Up and Slow Down, seeks to increase seat belt usage among teens and youth in Virginia.

According a press release, the project’s initiative is to encourage youth and teens to develop a lifelong buckle up habit, and to address speed-prevention.

Studies have shown that 72% of fatal crashes in 2023 involving teen drivers in Virginia were speed-related. Moreover, 47% of teens killed in crashes in 2022 were not wearing a seat belt.

So far in 2024, teen driver deaths have increased 50% over the prior year in Virginia. 71% of the fatalities were speed-related, and 47% of those teen drivers were unrestrained, according to preliminary statistics.

The program is working to decrease those rates by offering their project over a three-month period at select high schools, middle schools and youth groups. Starting Sept. 15-21, YOVASO will provide activities to educate and remind teens to buckle up and drive safely.

Schools and youth groups that elect to compete will be required to complete pre and post seat belt checks, and a creative project that aims to reach the majority of students at their school or in their youth group. Non-competing schools and youth groups may register to receive materials and complete any activities of their choice.

“With teen driver deaths on the increase in Virginia this year, we need everyone’s help to keep our teens safe on the roadways,” said Mary King, YOVASO program manager. “Drive for Change provides the free resources for schools, communities, parents, and teens to take on the important role of educating youth to be safer and more responsible in a vehicle. Together, we can work as concerned citizens and role models to create safer communities for our youth.”

At the conclusion of the project on Nov. 15, each competing school will be evaluated on activities completed, the effectiveness and creativity of its seat belt and/or speed educational programs, the percentage of students reached and the percentage increase in the school’s seat belt usage rate by the end of the project.

A $500 prize, funded by State Farm, will be awarded to both the top participating school in both the high school and middle school divisions. Additionally, five high schools and three middle schools will receive a $100 prize for honorable mention. The winners will be announced on Jan. 11, 2025.

For more information, contact Casey Taylor, Program Development Coordinator at (540) 739-4392 or email casey.taylor@vsp.virginia.gov.