MoDOT urges drivers: ‘Buckle Up, Phone Down’ to cut crash deaths

ST. JOSEPH, Mo. (News-Press NOW) -- The Missouri Department of Transportation is sending out a simple reminder for drivers: put the phone down and buckle up. 

The initiative, called “Buckle Up, Phone Down,” is all about getting people to focus on two things that can save lives — avoiding distractions and wearing a seatbelt.  

“The leading cause of crashes in the U.S is people being distracted while they’re driving, and based on some of those crash statistics, 59% of the fatalities happened due to people not wearing seatbelts,” Area Engineer Matthew Stein said.

This annual initiative is now in its ninth year, reminding drivers to focus on the road and stay off their phones. 

MoDOT’s Matthew Stein said the goal is simple — fewer distractions, more attention behind the wheel.  

“We have the Northwest Coalition for Roadway Safety, and they went out this morning observed about 80% of the people driving around without their seatbelts,” Stein said. 

IHOP General Manager Janet Trailer said it’s important for drivers to buckle up and put their phones away to avoid distractions.  

She said following these simple steps can prevent serious injuries and even save lives in a crash.  

“Not only do you have to think about yourself, but other and your family members and what happens if something tragic happens,” Trailer said.  

Trailer added that she often sees young drivers acting recklessly, unaware of how dangerous it can be for everyone on the road.  

“I just try to move my car away from the driver that is not buckling up or using their phone, maybe by backing away from them just to keep myself safe,” Trailer said.  

She said she hopes that campaigns like this remind drivers to pause before starting the car — to put the phone down, buckle up and stay alert to protect everyone on the road.