RICHMOND, Va. (WRIC) — A new joint initiative is looking to reduce traffic-related injuries and fatalities in the city of Richmond through a seat belt safety initiative. The city announced on Friday, Jan. 9, that it's partnering with the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) and DRIVE SMA RT Virginia to launch a series of free, public meetings to increase seat belt safety and usage. “Improving seat belt use is a critical part of keeping people safe, but our Vision Zero work goes beyond cars to protect everyone on our streets,” said Mayor Danny Avula. “Seat belts remain one of the simplest ways to save lives, yet unbelted occupants account for 65% of local crash deaths, and too many residents still remain unbuckled. Through partnerships with IIHS, Drive Smart Virginia, and the community, we’re working to prevent pedestrian deaths and make every street safer for all.”  The first meeting of the series will take place on Wednesday, Jan. 14, from 5 to 7 p.m. at Main Street Station, located at 1500 E. Main St. Richmond accelerates traffic safety initiatives after 6 pedestrians die in 3 weeks Subsequent meetings will also be held at Main Street Station on Jan. 28, Feb. 5 and Feb. 19. Residents are invited to share their experiences, ideas and recommendations for improving seat belt use at the meetings. The city of Richmond on Thursday announced a series of immediate actions expanded from the traffic safety initiative "Vision Zero." The plan includes the creation of a Richmond Department of Transportation (RDOT), an expansion of the Safety Camera Program, a pedestrian safety task force and various street safety improvements. The effort came after the city saw six pedestrian deaths within the past three weeks. ...read more read less