diff --git a/src/Fl_Widget.cxx b/src/Fl_Widget.cxx
index 74287640b..5b4cadb19 100644
--- a/src/Fl_Widget.cxx
+++ b/src/Fl_Widget.cxx
@@ -141,10 +141,9 @@ Fl_Widget::Fl_Widget(int X, int Y, int W, int H, const char* L) {
 
   parent_ = 0;
   if (Fl_Group::current()) Fl_Group::current()->add(this);
-  static int been_here = 0;
-  if (!been_here) {
-    been_here = 1;
-    Fl_Display_Device::display_device(); // make sure fl_graphics_driver is initialized
+  if (!fl_graphics_driver) {
+    // Make sure fl_graphics_driver is initialized. Important if we are called by a static initializer.
+    Fl_Display_Device::display_device();
   }
 }