Virginia lawmakers consider new seatbelt legislation after tragic crash highlights safety concerns

Virginia's Highway Safety Meeting Highlights Urgent Need for Seatbelt Law Reform

During a pivotal meeting of the Highway Safety and Policy Subcommittee on January 29, 2025, Virginia lawmakers and advocates rallied around a pressing issue: the state's dangerously low seatbelt usage rates. Currently, Virginia mandates seatbelt use only for front-seat passengers, leaving adults in the back seat unprotected. This loophole has drawn significant concern, particularly from families affected by tragic accidents.

Delegate Keesma Gomorrah, who introduced the proposed legislation, emphasized the need for change, citing Virginia's ranking as one of the lowest states in the nation for seatbelt use at just 73%. "This is an attempt to address that concern," she stated, urging her colleagues to support the bill.

The emotional testimonies from advocates underscored the urgency of the issue. Christie King, executive director of the Christopher King Foundation, shared her heartbreaking story of losing her son, Christopher, in a car crash where he was not wearing a seatbelt. She highlighted that increasing seatbelt usage by just 7% could save over 40 lives annually and prevent hundreds of serious injuries. "Seatbelts do save lives," she passionately declared.

Other speakers echoed her sentiments, including Alvin Costa and Fred Hanna, both friends of Christopher, who recounted the devastating impact of the accident on their lives. They called for stronger laws, suggesting that Virginia should adopt a primary enforcement law, allowing police to stop drivers solely for seatbelt violations.

Kristen Pettway, executive director of DriveSmart Virginia, reinforced the dangers posed by unrestrained passengers, noting that they can become projectiles in a crash, endangering everyone in the vehicle. She urged lawmakers to act decisively, stating, "Lives are literally at stake here."

As the meeting concluded, the overwhelming consensus was clear: Virginia must take action to enhance seatbelt laws to protect its citizens. The proposed legislation aims to close the existing gaps in the law, potentially saving lives and reducing injuries on the road. The subcommittee's next steps will be closely watched as advocates continue to push for meaningful reform.