NASCAR driver Ross Chastain will be promoting a lifesaving driving initiative this week nearly 40 years after New York introduced a groundbreaking law for motorists.
Chastain, a DGM Racing Xfinity Series driver, is headed to meet with fans in the Empire State on Thursday to promote seat belt usage across the state.
Mark J.F Schroeder, the Commissioner of the Department of Motor Vehicles and Governor’s Traffic Safety Committee (GTSC) touted the event on Tuesday as a way to appeal to younger drivers.
“The simple act of buckling up takes only seconds and it is the easiest, best way to keep yourself safe inside a vehicle.” Schroeder said.
“Partnering with NASCAR driver Ross Chastain helps us get that message out to young people who are less likely to buckle up.”
Chastain echoed that sentiment, saying he is looking forward to working with the committee to push the Protect Your Melon safe driving campaign.
Read More on Road Laws
“We have enjoyed a long partnership together encouraging fans to buckle up, both front and back, every time they get in the car,” the NASCAR driver said.
“I look forward to meeting fans on Thursday, racing throughout the weekend and reminding fans to practice safe driving habits."
Fans will have two chances to meet with Chastain this week.
On August 17, Chastain will meet with drivers at the Schuyler County Courthouse from 9am to 12pm and again between 1pm and 3pm.
Most read in Motors
If fans cannot make the meet and greet, they will also have a chance to speak with Chastain on Sunday, August 20 at the Department of Motor Vehicles at Watkins Glen International at 11am.
Chastain has long promoted safe driving practices, such as wearing a seat belt.
His recent efforts come 39 years after New York introduced the first state-wide legislation requiring drivers and passengers to wear a seat belt.
The law was strengthened further in 2020, when then Gov. Andrew Cuomo signed a law requiring all passengers over the age of 16 to wear a seat belt in a vehicle.
"We've known for decades that seat belts save lives and with this measure we are further strengthening our laws and helping to prevent needless tragedies," Cuomo said at the time.
"It was under my father's leadership that New York became the first state in the country to pass a seat belt law, and the nation followed his lead. Now we are building upon this legacy and helping to create a safer and stronger Empire State for all."
New York’s Protect Your Melon Campaign is largely aimed at educating drivers about how seat belts can prevent injuries and deaths in the event of a car accident.
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has said wearing a seat belt in the front seat of a passenger car can reduce the risk of fatal injury by 45 percent.
