The Connecticut Department of Transportation (CTDOT) is challenging residents to buckle up and put their phones down in observance of the ninth annual “Buckle Up Phone Down Day” on Wednesday, October 29, 2025.
Originally launched by the Missouri Department of Transportation in 2017, this nationwide initiative raises awareness about two simple, life-saving actions: wearing seat belts and avoiding phone distractions while driving.
“There is no excuse for using your phone while driving or failing to buckle up,” said Connecticut Department of Transportation Deputy Commissioner Laoise King. “Ensuring that everyone is buckled up and the driver is free from distractions can significantly enhance safety for everyone on the road. On October 29, and every day, we encourage motorists to adopt these simple yet impactful habits.”
Wearing a seat belt is crucial for reducing the risk of serious injury or death in the event of a crash. In 2023, the most recent year of verifiable data, there were more than 10,000 unbuckled passenger vehicle occupants killed in crashes across the United States. In Connecticut, unrestrained passenger fatalities remain a concern. 71 people lost their lives on Connecticut roadways in 2023 while not wearing seat belts.
Distracted driving also continues to be a major contributor to crashes both nationally and in Connecticut. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, distracted driving claimed 3,275 lives nationwide in 2023. In Connecticut, there were 5,202 distracted driving crashes in 2023, resulting in 731 injuries and 12 fatalities.
Businesses are encouraged to implement policies that prioritize employee safety in company vehicles, requiring all occupants to wear seat belts and prohibiting drivers from using cell phones. Research shows that these two policies can significantly reduce crashes and fatalities.
Connecticut residents and organizations are invited to participate in the Buckle Up Phone Down challenge by posting photos or videos using the “thumbs up-thumbs down” gesture on social media with the hashtags #BUPD and #BUPDDay.
Together, let’s continue making Buckle Up Phone Down a phrase that inspires action—and saves lives.