Wisconsin DOT Asking Everyone To "Buckle Up Phone Down"

Sunday, October 17th, 2021 -- 8:02 AM

Wisconsin officials are challenging the community to put safety first, help prevent crashes, and save lives on state roads and highways.

The Wisconsin Department of Transportation’s new Buckle Up Phone Down campaign asks everyone to show support for two simple measures: use a seat belt every time you get in the car and stay off your phone while driving. Cell phone use is one of the biggest distractions while driving. Distracted driving was a factor in almost 9,000 crashes in the state last year, including 31 deaths. WisDOT reports 11% of drivers in Wisconsin did not buckle up in 2020. Unbuckled drivers and passengers made up 44% of all fatalities last year. Wisconsin businesses, organizations, schools, communities, and individuals are invited to take the Buckle Up Phone Down pledge. People of all ages in Wisconsin can commit to saving lives by taking the pledge at wisconsindot.gov/BUPD.

Participants are encouraged to share a thumbs up/thumbs down photo on social media using the hashtag #BuckleUpPhoneDown then challenge friends, family and coworkers to do the same. The Buckle Up Phone Down initiative originated in Missouri in 2017. In the first two years, seat belt use in that state increased by 6.3% after more than 10,000 businesses and individuals accepted the challenge. Now, the initiative is underway in six other states, including Wisconsin, with 12 more considering campaigns.

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