Drivers urged to buckle up — or face ticket

Community Report

Local residents are once again being urged to remember their safety belts when hitting the road this summer—or face dire consequences.

The Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) and AAA MidAtlantic is partnering with Virginia’s first responders, local law enforcement and Virginia State Police to focus on saving lives through increased seat belt use by participating in the national Click It or Ticket campaign through June 4, 2023.

This annual campaign typically

Library Calendar

Upcoming Programs at the Goochland Branch Library

Family Storytime at the begins just before the Memorial Day holiday, one of the year’s busiest and deadliest travel weekends.

More than 18% of Virginians still don’t wear their seat belt, according to the state’s most recent seat belt survey.

In Virginia last year, there were 5,427 unrestrained people involved in crashes, 3,702 unrestrained injuries, and 375 deaths involving unrestrained people.

Last year, approximately one of every two crash fatalities in Virginia involved occupants who did not wear a seat belt.

Goochland Branch Library.

Thursdays, June 1, 8, 15, 22, & 29, 10 – 10:30 a.m. Enjoy a fun time with books,

People aged 21-30 made up 68% of unrestrained fatalities and the highest number of unrestrained fatalities happened between midnight and 3 a.m. (70%).

“These numbers mean thousands of Virginians still choose not to make the simple, safe choice of buckling up as their best defense against a reckless, impaired or distracted driver,” says DMV commissioner Gerald Lackey, the Governor’s Highway Safety Representative. “By participating in Click It or Ticket, we are raising awareness and educating Virginians on the importance signing, rhymes, and much more! For ages 0-5 with caregiver. Call (804) 5564774 or visit the library at 3075 River Road West for more information.

Toddler/Preschool Storytime at the Goochland Branch Library. Fridays, June 2, 9, 16, 23, & 30, 10 – 10:30 a.m. Enjoy books, music, fingerplays, and much more at storytime!

For ages 2-5 with a caregiver. Call (804) 556-4774 or visit the library at 3075 River Road West for more information.

Goochland Bridge Club at the Goochland Branch Library. Mondays, June 5, 12, 19, & 26, 3 – 5 p.m. Ages 18 & up. The Goochland Bridge Club is for those that want to learn how to play or those with a basic knowledge of the game. Each week there will be instruction and play time. Call (804) 556-4774 or visit the library at 3075 River Road West for more information.

Volunteen Training at the Goochland Branch Library.

Tuesday, June 6, 6:30 — 7:30 p.m. For ages 13-18. Looking for volunteer service hours? Join us for a of always wearing a seat belt, every time.”

Law enforcement will support DMV’s seat belt awareness messaging by conducting high visibility enforcement along busy roads and highways to prevent avoidable crashes and save lives.

“Buckling up is not merely a legal obligation,” said Colonel Gary T. Settle, Virginia State Police Superintendent. “Wearing a seat belt is an act of self-preservation. Moreover, the impact of wearing seat belts extends beyond our own lives. It sets an example for others, especially our young people who training session and learn about opportunities to help with summer reading and more! Call (804) 556-4774 or visit the library at 3075 River Road West for more information. are observing our behaviors and learning from our actions. Simply click it and avoid the ticket.”

Yoga at the Goochland Branch Library. Wednesdays, June 7, 14, 21, & 28, 4 — 5 p.m. For ages 18 & up. Bring your mat and join us for a yoga session that aims to promote strength, flexibility, and balance. Led by certified instructor, Kathleen Tsengas. Call (804) 556-4774 or visit the library at 3075 River Road West for more information.

Writing for Joy at the Goochland Branch Library. Wednesdays, June 7 & 21, 7 — 8:45 p.m. For adults 18 & up. A creative writing discussion group for those that are interested in sharing original writings, participating in prompted writings, and encouraging others in their pursuit of writing. This program is open to “would be” writers, experienced writers, and writers of all skill levels. Call (804) 556-4774 or visit the library at 3075 River Road West for more information.

“DMV partners with law enforcement agencies, nonprofits and other highway safety advocates to change behaviors and prevent needless tragedies from happening on Virginia’s roadways,” said DMV Highway Safety Office director John Saunders. “Buckling up is the one lifesaving action you can take to significantly increase your odds of surviving a crash. Your life matters. Please make it click and remind your loved ones to do the same.”

Friday Book Club at the Goochland Branch Library. Friday, June 9, 11 a.m. — noon. Ages 18 and up. Join us to discuss our monthly book choice! Call (804) 556-4774 or visit the library at 3075 River Road West for more information.

Summer Reading Kickoff Party at the Goochland Branch Library. Tuesday, June 13, 6:30 — 7:30 p.m. All ages. Join us for a fun night of crafts, games, and Kona Ice! It’s a great time to sign up for Summer Reading. Call (804) 556-4774 or visit the library at 3075 River Road West for more information.

Action Figure Art Class at the Goochland Branch Library. Wednesday, June 14, 6:30 — 7:30 p.m. For ages 10-18. Meet local artist Curtis Brown and learn techniques to draw your own superhero action figure. Call (804) 556-4774 or visit the library at 3075 River Road West for more information.

Adult Game Night at the Goochland Branch Library. Thursday, June 22, 5:30 — 8:30 p.m. For ages 18 & up. Grab a friend and join us for a fun night of gaming and socializing. We provide board/card games, Nintendo on the big screen and free wifi for online gaming. Popcorn Bar and Mocktails provided by the Friends of the Goochland Library. Call (804) 556-4774 or visit the library at 3075 River Road West for more information.

Children’s Storytelling with Woven Yarns at the Goochland Branch Library. Saturday, June 24, 10 — 11 a.m. For PreK — 6th Grade. Join us for a funfilled session of storytelling with songs, folk tales, and hand puppets. Meet the storytelling team of “Woven Yarns”, Dee Kysor and George Crafts as they take you on an adventure with all creatures living together in harmony. Call (804) 5564774 or visit the library at 3075 River Road West for more information.

Mystery Book Club at the Goochland Branch Library.

Tuesday, June 27, 10 — 11 a.m. Ages 18 & up. Join us to discuss our chosen mystery title for the month. Call (804) 556-4774 or visit the library at 3075 River Road West for more information.