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Virginia Mother Advocates for Stronger Seat Belt Laws Following Son’s Tragic Death
WILLIAMSBURG, Va. — A mother from Williamsburg, Christy King, is urgently calling on Virginia lawmakers to enhance the state’s seat belt regulations after her son, Christopher, lost his life in a car accident nearly five years ago. Christopher, who was 18 at the time of the incident, was not wearing his seatbelt when he was ejected from a vehicle during a crash.
On July 4, 2020, authorities reported that James City County Police and JCC Fire and Rescue responded to a crash on Marclay Road. A 19-year-old was driving a Ford Mustang convertible with four occupants at high speeds when he lost control and crashed into a ditch, resulting in Christopher’s death at the scene.
“His favorite sweatshirt still hangs by the front door,” King recounts with deep sorrow. “I can’t bring myself to take it down; I keep hoping he’ll walk through the door again. He was the only one who died because he wasn’t buckled up.”
King reflected on her son’s aspirations of becoming a chef or an EMT, using her experience of loss to fuel her advocacy for safer driving practices. In response to the tragedy, she founded the Christopher King Foundation, which aims to educate high school students about the significance of making safe choices on the road.
Currently, Virginia faces alarming seat belt usage statistics, with only 73% compliance compared to the national average of 91%, according to King. She attributes this disparity to the fact that Virginia is categorized as a secondary enforcement state, which allows law enforcement to issue seat belt violations only in conjunction with another traffic infraction. Moreover, Virginia only mandates that front seat occupants wear their seat belts.
“We need to elevate the seriousness of our seat belt legislation,” King stated emphatically. She has engaged with legislators in hopes of reinforcing the current law.
Recently, a bill has been introduced that would mandate all passengers in a vehicle to wear seat belts if enacted. “It’s a positive first step, but there’s much more work needed to improve compliance rates,” King added.
The bill is poised for a hearing soon, with King planning to share her son’s story during the proceedings. “This marks the beginning of our journey to strengthen seat belt laws,” she asserted. “I will persist in advocating for these changes until we establish a primary law. If it doesn’t pass this year, I will return year after year to keep pushing for this crucial change.”
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