The Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development (DOTD) has launched a statewide campaign called “Buckle Up, Phone Down” in partnership with several state agencies to promote seat belt use and prevent distracted driving. The campaign includes public pledges and community outreach to encourage safer driving behavior, as per the Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development release.
At a press conference, DOTD Secretary Glenn Ledet emphasized that consistent seat belt use and avoiding phone distractions are essential to reducing roadway fatalities. Many high school students and community members have already taken the pledge to drive attentively and buckle up.
Louisiana State Police Superintendent Colonel Robert P. Hodges described the campaign’s message as a life-saving choice, noting that troopers regularly encounter the effects of distracted and unrestrained driving. He urged drivers to stay focused and use seat belts to help improve road safety.
Lisa Freeman, Executive Director of the Louisiana Highway Safety Commission, said the campaign encourages combining seat belt use with undistracted driving, supported by a pledge and video contest for students that concluded yesterday. AAA-Louisiana also supported the effort by offering prizes for students who creatively promoted the campaign.
Participants in the online pledge commit to avoiding phone use while driving—including calls, texting, and social media—wearing seat belts, and encouraging others to do the same. The Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development reported that distracted driving contributed to 25% of crash fatalities in Louisiana in 2024, with an average of 289 deaths and over 400 serious injuries annually from not wearing seat belts since 2019.
Originally started in Missouri, Buckle Up, Phone Down has expanded to several states, including Louisiana. The initiative aligns with the state’s broader goal of reducing traffic fatalities and promoting safer driving practices.
