DOTD and State Partners Urge Motorists to "Buckle Up, Phone Down" on Louisiana Roadways
Thursday, October 30, 2025 at 10:04:36 AM
BATON ROUGE, La – The Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development (DOTD), in partnership with Destination Zero Deaths (DZD), the Louisiana Highway Safety Commission, and the Louisiana State Police, marked "Buckle Up, Phone Down" Day with a statewide call to action urging all motorists to make two simple choices that save lives: always wear a seat belt and put the phone away while driving.
During Thursday’s press conference, DOTD Secretary Glenn Ledet recognized the growing participation of Louisiana high school students and community members in the "Buckle Up, Phone Down" campaign. The initiative encourages drivers and passengers alike to take a personal pledge to end distracted driving and increase seat belt use.
“Safety starts with each of us,” said Ledet. “Every time someone buckles their seat belt or chooses not to look at their phone behind the wheel, they’re helping to move Louisiana closer to zero roadway deaths.”
Louisiana State Police Superintendent Colonel Robert P. Hodges stated, “Buckle Up, Phone Down is more than a slogan. It’s a simple choice that saves lives. Every day, troopers see the consequences of distracted and unrestrained driving. Commit to buckle up, stay focused, and get home safely. Together, we can make Louisiana’s roads safer for everyone.”
“Some things naturally go together,” LHSC Executive Director and the Governor’s Representative for Highway Safety Lisa Freeman said. “In the Highway Safety world, Buckle Up, Phone Down is a combination and a new tradition that’ll save lives on our roadways. Let’s all learn to do this ‘traffic safety two-step,’ so we can reach our destinations safely.”
Since the campaign’s launch in September, high school students across the state have shared their creativity through the BUPD Video and Pledge Contest, producing powerful messages about responsible driving. The contest, which runs through October 31, offers cash prizes for the top three entries sponsored by AAA.
Don Redman, AAA-Louisiana spokesman, said, “Recognizing that driving distracted is driving impaired, AAA has been a leading voice in the campaign to reduce deaths and injuries caused by distracted drivers. AAA strongly supports Louisiana’s Buckle Up, Phone Down video challenge among high schoolers in hopes that we can change the habits of a new generation of drivers.”
Members of the public can still take part by signing the "Buckle Up, Phone Down" pledge online here.
The pledge includes three commitments:
1. No phone usage while driving- including calls, texting, browsing, or social media.
2. Passengers speak up if they feel unsafe and remind the driver to stay focused.
3. Always wear a seat belt and encourage others to do the same.
The need for awareness remains urgent. In 2024, distracted driving contributed to 25% of all crash fatalities in Louisiana. From 2019 to 2023, the state averaged 289 fatalities and more than 400 serious injuries annually from not wearing seat belts.
Launched in 2017 by the Missouri Department of Transportation, "Buckle Up, Phone Down" has become a national movement centered on personal responsibility and lifesaving habits. Louisiana’s participation continues to grow, driven by the collective goal of achieving Destination Zero Deaths on state roadways.
For more information, or to take the pledge, visit https://destinationzerodeaths.com/.
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