INDIANA — State leaders and law enforcement agencies across Indiana are urging Hoosier motorists to make safe choices behind the wheel as Indiana joins more than 35 states nationwide in recognizing Buckle Up Phone Down Day on Oct. 28.
Governor Mike Braun, the Indiana Department of Transportation (INDOT), and the Indiana State Police (ISP) are challenging drivers and passengers to adopt two simple, life-saving habits: buckle up and put your mobile device away.
Fatalities and Distractions Remain Key Concerns
Despite recent modest improvements in overall traffic safety figures, state officials emphasize that preventable crashes continue to take a heavy toll on Indiana communities.
“Last year, just over 800 people died on Indiana roadways,” said INDOT Commissioner Lyndsay Quist. “Despite a slight decline in fatalities, INDOT continues to focus on enhancing roadway safety through systemic roadway improvements, but we can’t solve this problem on our own. We ask that all Hoosier drivers and their passengers do their part by making smart decisions. Wearing seatbelts and avoiding distractions, like cell phones and mobile devices, are two easy, yet impactful, choices.”
According to state crash data, the majority of fatal traffic accidents in Indiana since 2021 involved an unbelted driver or passenger.
Distracted driving also continues to pose significant hazards. In 2023 alone, more than 9,500 collisions across Indiana were reported to involve distracted driving or cell phone use, despite the state’s Hands-Free Law going into effect in 2020.
Enforcing Laws to Save Lives
Indiana State Police troopers will maintain active enforcement of seatbelt and hands-free regulations as part of the broader statewide initiative.
“Ensuring safety on our roadways is a shared responsibility, and it starts with two of the simplest actions a driver can take: buckling up and putting the phone away,” said Capt. Ron Galaviz, Chief Public Information Officer for the Indiana State Police. “Our troopers are actively enforcing seatbelt and hands-free laws not to issue citations, but to save lives.”
Joining a Growing National Movement
This marks the third year Indiana has formally participated in the Buckle Up Phone Down campaign, an initiative originally launched by the Missouri Department of Transportation in 2017 to combat traffic fatalities and distracted driving nationwide.
As part of the awareness effort, drivers along Indiana interstates will see safety reminders displayed on overhead dynamic message signs.
State officials are encouraging residents to spread awareness on social media using the hashtags #BUPDDay, #BUPDIN, and #BuckleUpPhoneDown. Hoosiers can also learn more about the initiative and take a digital pledge to drive distraction-free by visiting BUPDIN.com.
