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Virginia Seat Belt Use and Fatality Statistics (Latest Data)
Below are the most up-to-date figures:
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Seat Belt Usage Rate: Approximately 73.2% of Virginians (drivers and front-seat passengers) wear their seat belts, according to a 2023 statewide observational survey. The nationwide seat belt use rate was 91.9 percent in 2023.
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Male vs. Female Usage: Seat belt use remains lower among males in Virginia than among females. Observational studies found that women consistently wear seat belts at higher rates than men. In other words, female drivers and passengers in Virginia are more likely to buckle up, whereas males have comparatively lower seat belt use.
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Unrestrained Fatalities: A significant proportion of Virginia’s crash fatalities involve unbelted occupants. In 2023, a total of 6,218 people were involved in crashes without proper restraint. Among them, 335 lost their lives and 1,404 sustained serious injuries. This means more than half of those who died in Virginia traffic crashes were unrestrained at the time of the crash.
Each of the above statistics is drawn from the most recent official data . These figures underscore the importance of seat belt use – with males lagging behind females in buckling up, and a majority of fatal crash victims being unrestrained.