Indiana Governor Mike Braun, the Indiana Department of Transportation (INDOT) and the Indiana State Police are joining more than 35 states in a coordinated effort to make the roads safer. On Wednesday, Oct. 28, the state will observe Buckle Up Phone Down Day, a campaign that encourages drivers and passengers to fasten seatbelts and avoid cell‑phone distractions.
Why the campaign matters
According to INDOT, just over 800 people lost their lives on Indiana roadways in 2025. While the overall fatality count dipped slightly from previous years, officials stress that preventable behaviors—most notably not wearing a seatbelt—continue to drive serious crashes.
“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,” said INDOT Commissioner Lyndsay Quist. The data show that the majority of fatal crashes since 2021 involved at least one occupant who was not buckled up.
Distracted driving remains a hazard
Distracted driving also poses a major risk. In 2023, more than 9,500 crashes were reported to involve a driver using a cell phone, even though Indiana’s Hands‑Free Law took effect in 2020. Indiana State Police Captain Ron Galaviz emphasized that “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.” Troopers will continue to enforce seatbelt and hands‑free requirements throughout the campaign.
How Hoosiers can participate
During the statewide push, motorists may notice safety reminders flashing on electronic signs along interstates. Residents are also invited to join the conversation on social media and to take a pledge to wear seatbelts and avoid phone use while driving. The pledge and additional resources are available at BUPDIN.com.
This marks Indiana’s third year participating in the Buckle Up Phone Down movement, which originated in Missouri in 2017. By highlighting simple, proven safety steps, the campaign aims to reduce preventable injuries and save lives across the Hoosier State.
Looking ahead
State officials say the initiative is part of a broader strategy that includes roadway improvements, public‑education efforts and continued law‑enforcement vigilance. As Indiana works to lower its traffic‑fatality rate, the hope is that consistent messaging and community involvement will turn the modest decline into a lasting trend.
Original reporting: WOWO News/Talk (Fort Wayne) — read the source article.
