WisDOT challenges Wisconsin to commit to safety on Buckle Up Phone Down Day

The Wisconsin Department of Transportation (WisDOT) is joined today by safety partners, organizations and community members from across the state in celebrating their commitment to road safety during Wisconsin’s fourth annual Buckle Up Phone Down Day. This day encourages all drivers to buckle up and put their phone down every time they are driving in a vehicle. Partners are sharing the message to their organizations, community members and social media followers.

“Safety on Wisconsin’s roads requires a commitment to do the right thing, that’s why we’re encouraging everyone to buckle up and put their phones down,” WisDOT Secretary Kristina Boardman said. “We are grateful for our partnerships with those who are dedicated to our shared goals, and we urge everyone to join us in the pledge to take these simple steps that will keep each other safe on the roads.”

Distracted driving is a leading cause of crashes across the United States. In 2023, there were 9,261 crashes related to distracted driving in Wisconsin, resulting in 23 fatalities and 3,582 injuries. Cell phones are a major cause of distracted driving. Taking your eyes off the road to read or send a text for just five seconds while traveling at 55 mph is like driving the length of a football field blindfolded. The Buckle Up Phone Down Challenge encourages motorists to focus their full attention on driving.

Buckling up is one of the easiest and most important things a driver or passenger can do to stay safe in a crash. A 2023 survey found that 8 percent of Wisconsin motorists do not wear a seat belt. The Buckle Up Phone Down challenge helps educate drivers and passengers on the dangers of not wearing a seat belt. Almost half of those killed in a crash in Wisconsin in 2023 were unbelted.

“Today and every time you get on the road, take two simple steps to reduce injuries and save lives—buckle up and put your phone down while driving,” State Patrol Superintendent Tim Carnahan said. “Our troopers and inspectors are out there every day educating drivers on the risks of distracted driving and the benefits of wearing a seat belt, but we need everyone on the road to commit to making smart, safe choices. We must do this together.”

Join the effort

With some simple changes in behavior, Wisconsin drivers can stop deadly trends on the roads.

• Always buckle up. Every trip. Every time. Remind friends and family to do the same.
• Put your phone down and avoid distractions while driving. If you must use your phone, pull over to a safe location. 
  • Texting while driving is illegal in Wisconsin.
  • Handheld cell phone use is banned within 500 feet of an authorized emergency vehicle or tow truck with its lights on. Wisconsin Act 115 was signed into law in December 2021, creating this additional protection for roadside workers.
  • It is illegal to talk on a handheld cell phone when driving through a construction or utility work zone in Wisconsin.
  • Hand-held or hands-free cell phone use while driving is against the law in Wisconsin for any driver with a probationary license or instruction permit, except to report an emergency.

Each year Buckle Up Phone Down Day is proclaimed by Gov. Tony Evers.

Everyone is encouraged to help us create safer roads in Wisconsin on Buckle Up Phone Down Day and every day. Individuals, organizations, schools, communities and businesses can commit to saving lives by taking the challenge at wisconsindot.gov/BUPD.

Participants are invited 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.