WisDOT’s Buckle Up Phone Down Day celebrates safe driving, promotes lifesaving actions for safer roads​

“Distractions are a major cause of crashes, and many could be prevented if drivers just put their phones down,” WisDOT Secretary Kristina Boardman said. “Seat belts are one of the best defenses against injury or death in a crash. The Buckle Up Phone Down campaign brings these two actions together to give drivers simple steps for preventing crashes and staying safe on the road. Today we are asking motorists to take the pledge and commit to safety.”

Distracted driving is a leading cause of traffic crashes in Wisconsin. In 2025, there were 9,049 distracted driving crashes in Wisconsin, resulting in 31 fatalities and 3,659 injuries. Cell phones are a top cause of distraction. In Wisconsin, it is illegal to text while driving or use a handheld cell phone near emergency responders, roadside workers or work zones. Additional restrictions apply when the driver has a probationary license or instruction permit. If you must use your phone, pull over to a safe location.

Buckling up is a simple way to prevent serious injuries or death in a crash. In 2025, there were 7,637 crashes involving unbelted occupants, resulting in 146 deaths and 1,878 injuries. On average, half of all vehicle occupants killed in Wisconsin traffic crashes are not wearing seat belts. Drivers should encourage everyone in the vehicle to wear their seat belt and ensure younger passengers are in the correct seat.

Today, WisDOT and partners across the state will be sharing their commitment to safe driving by posting to social media with a Buckle Up Phone Down photo and using the hashtag #BuckleUpPhoneDown. Watch for these messages all day today and consider participating by taking the pledge and sharing a photo.

Take the pledge

Every driver can help create safer roads in Wisconsin on Buckle Up Phone Down Day and every day by taking the Buckle Up Phone Down pledge. Participants are invited to share a photo with the Buckle Up Phone Down pose (right thumb up, left thumb down) on social media using the hashtag #BuckleUpPhoneDown. Be sure to challenge friends, family and coworkers to do the same.

Join the effort

WisDOT partners with law enforcement agencies, emergency responders, school districts, local businesses and community organizations across the state to spread awareness about the dangers of distracted and unbelted driving in Wisconsin. Anyone looking to become a Buckle Up Phone Down partner can visit WisDOT’s Zero in Wisconsin website to learn how.

WisDOT launched the Buckle Up Phone Down educational campaign in 2021 leading to hundreds of residents taking the Buckle Up Phone Down pledge and dozens of partner organizations supporting the effort. The Missouri Department of Transportation originated the program in 2017 and other state transportation departments across the country have implemented their own programs.

Learn more about WisDOT’s Buckle Up Phone Down campaign and view the latest public service announcements at wisconsindot.gov/BUPD.

Gov. Evers, WisDOT Secretary Boardman and Wisconsin State Patrol troopers

Wisconsin Department of Transportation staff

Wisconsin Department of Transportation staff

Wisconsin State Patrol and Marquette County Sheriff's Office

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