Louisiana High School Students and Community Members Invited to Join the “Buckle Up, Phone Down” Challenge
Thursday, September 4, 2025 at 9:25:22 AM
BATON ROUGE, La.- The Louisiana Department of Transportation (DOTD), in partnership with Destination Zero Deaths (DZD), is launching the “Buckle Up, Phone Down” (BUPD) High School Video and Pledge Contest from September 1 through October 31, encouraging Louisiana teens to promote safe driving through creativity and advocacy.
Louisiana high school students are invited to submit videos highlighting the importance of seat belt use and avoiding phone distractions. A panel of judges will select the top three winners, who will receive cash prizes provided by AAA. Contest rules and entry information can be found here.
In addition to the video contest, all Louisiana residents are encouraged to take the Buckle Up, Phone Down Pledge online to show their commitment to safer roadways. Community members wishing to take the pledge can do so here.
The pledge involves three commitments:
1. No phone usage while driving, including calls, texting, browsing, or social media.
2. Passengers should speak up if they feel unsafe and urge the driver to avoid distractions.
3. Always wear a seatbelt and encourage others to do the same.
“Wearing a seatbelt is the most effective way to stay safe in a crash,” said DOTD Secretary Glenn Ledet. “Distracted driving continues to claim lives in Louisiana, and this contest gives students and individuals across the state an opportunity to be the voice for change.”
The call to action is urgent. In 2024, distracted driving contributed to 25% of crash fatalities in Louisiana. From 2019 to 2023, the state averaged 289 fatalities and 406 serious injuries each year from not wearing seat belts.
Launched by the Missouri Department of Transportation in 2017, Buckle Up, Phone Down has grown into a national movement focused on personal responsibility and life saving actions. By pledging to buckle up and put phones down, Louisianans can help boost seat belt use, reduce distracted driving, and move closer to the goal of zero roadway fatalities.
For more information, visit www.destinationzerodeaths.com.
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