Virginia High Schools Join in Safe-Driving Campaign

Nearly three dozen Virginia high schools are participating in a safe driving campaign starting this week.

The Virginia State Police is teaming up with Youth of Virginia Speak Out About Traffic Safety to increase awareness about seat belt use and the deadly consequences of drinking and driving.

The three-week campaign called “Buckle Up, Driver Sober” is designed to help teens develop long-term safe driving habits.

During the campaign, 33 high schools will develop projects that educate young drivers about the importance of seat belts and driving alcohol and drug free.

Sponsors of the campaign cited statistics that show the majority of teens killed in highway crashes in Virginia were not wearing a safety belt and that 427 teens have died in alcohol-related crashes in Virginia since 2000.