The Christopher King Foundation, in partnership with the New Kent Sheriff’s Office, Charles City Sheriff’s Office, James City County Police Department, DRIVE SMART Virginia, and Responsibility.org, will hold a press conference commemorating the one-year anniversary of the Christopher King Seat Belt Law, which took effect on July 1, 2025. The Christopher King Seat Belt Law strengthened Virginia’s existing seat belt law by extending the adult seat belt requirement to include rear-seat passengers, making seat belt use mandatory for adults in every seating position in a moving vehicle. One year after the Christopher King Seat Belt Law took effect, Virginia has seen a 19.3%reduction in unrestrained traffic deaths. Unrestrained fatalities declined from 342 during the same period the previous year to 276—a total of 66 fewer lives lost across the Commonwealth. Virginia State Police have also credited the Christopher King Seat Belt Law as a contributing factor in a 15% reduction in overall traffic fatalities in 2025, demonstrating the law’s positive impact on roadway safety. As Virginians prepare to travel for the Independence Day holiday, speakers will encourage everyone to buckle up every trip, every time, obey speed limits, eliminate distractions, and never drive impaired. The event serves as both a celebration of lives saved and a reminder that simple choices behind the wheel can prevent tragedies during one of the busiest travel weekends of the year.