FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Drive Safe Hampton Roads Announces Get It Together High School Seat Belt Challenge Winners
Area High Schools Increase Seat Belt Use Rate by over 9%
Hampton Roads, VA – March 5, 2026: High schools from around Hampton Roads gathered on March 5, 2026, to receive recognition for their work with the Get It Together High School Seat Belt Challenge. This annual program partners with high schools and their communities to increase overall seat belt use. During the program, students work with school administrators and Drive Safe Hampton Roads volunteers to educate and reinforce buckling up to their peers and school personnel. Through a series of projects, activities, and observational seat belt checks, high schools are challenged to increase overall seat belt use. Schools that increase seat belt usage by the end of the Get It Together Challenge were recognized for their accomplishments at the awards ceremony.
These area high schools collectively began with a baseline seat belt use rate of 80.66%. Through their activities and advocacy, the average use rate among the participating high schools rose to an impressive 89.88%.
Gold Medal
Kellam High School
Landstown High School
Manor High School
Norview High School
Ocean Lakes High School
Princess Anne High School
Silver Medal
Churchland High School
Kecoughtan High School
Salem High School
Tallwood High School
Bronze Medal
Menchville High School
Warwick High School
Participant Medal
Bethel High School
Additionally, as part of the Get It Together High School Seat Belt Challenge, students were encouraged to create public service announcements. The following were recognized for their creativity in developing seat belt-related public service announcements:
Kellam High School
Norview High School
Ocean Lakes High School
“The Get It Together High School Seat Belt Challenge has made a difference in Hampton Roads for over 20 years,” said Holly Dalby. “Over this time, Drive Safe Hampton Roads has collaborated with partners such as AAA Tidewater Virginia, State Farm, Christopher King Foundation, Farmers Insurance, and the Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles to promote traffic safety initiatives focused on teen drivers.” Dalby emphasized the ongoing dedication of Drive Safe Hampton Roads and its partner high schools to reduce teen driver injuries and fatalities. “We continue to invest in teen traffic safety with the ultimate goal of achieving 100% seat belt use among all teens in our region,” she stated.
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Drive Safe Hampton Roads (DSHR) is a non-profit regional coalition whose mission is to improve highway safety and reduce injuries and deaths from vehicle crashes. For over 37 years, Drive Safe Hampton Roads has promoted citizen involvement and community awareness as we strive toward zero deaths on our region’s roadways.
Media Contact:
Drive Safe Hampton Roads
Email: [email protected]
Voice Mail: 757-498-2562