Take the Buckle Up Phone Down challenge on roads
Wisconsin officials are challenging the community to put safety first, help prevent crashes, and save lives on state roads and highways. The WisDOT new Buckle Up Phone Down campaign, asks everyone to show support for two simple measures: use a seat belt every time driving in the car and stay off the phone while driving.
“The safety of everyone in Wisconsin, is our top priority,” said Lt. Gov. Mandela Barnes. “Distracted driving and not wearing your seat belt can be deadly. But these devastating incidents can be prevented.”
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.
The WisDOT reports 11 percent of drivers in Wisconsin, did not buckle up in 2020. Unbuckled drivers and passengers made up 44 percent of all fatalities last year.
“Our officers see tragedies like these on the roads every day,” said Wisconsin State Patrol superintendent Tony Burrell. “Many of us are so used to being in a vehicle, that we feel safe and forget about the terrible destruction that can occur from just a moment’s inattention, but we must do better.”
Wisconsin businesses, organizations, schools, communities and individuals, are invited to take the Buckle Up Phone Down pledge.
“We need everyone to join us,” said WisDOT secretary Craig Thompson. “The collective effort of each individual and organization will bring change, and create safer roads in Wisconsin.”
People of all ages in Wisconsin, can commit to saving lives by taking the pledge at wisconsindot.gov. Participants are encouraged to share a thumbs up/thumbs down photo on social media, using the hashtag #BuckleUpPhoneDown, then challenge friends, family and co-workers 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 percent, 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.
