The Kansas Department of Transportation is encouraging motorists to wear seat belts and avoid distractions as part of Buckle Up Phone Down Day on Wednesday, Oct. 28.
The campaign asks drivers to make two simple choices every time they get behind the wheel: buckle up and put away their phones.
“I’m encouraging all Kansans to join me by accepting the challenge to buckle up and put the phone down every time you get into your vehicle,” Kansas Transportation Secretary Calvin Reed said. “If we want our kids to be safe drivers, it starts with us.”
According to preliminary KDOT data, 368 people died in Kansas traffic crashes in 2025, including 110 who were unbelted. Distracted driving was linked to crashes that killed 60 people and left another 421 with suspected serious injuries.
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration reports that seat belts reduce the risk of fatal injury by about 45% for passenger car occupants and 60% for light truck occupants.
KDOT says cellphone use is the most common form of distracted driving. Texting is especially dangerous because it takes a driver’s eyes off the road, hands off the wheel and attention away from driving.
Drivers are encouraged to park safely before reading or sending messages, ask a passenger to handle calls or texts, and activate their phone’s “Do Not Disturb” feature. Passengers should also speak up when they see someone texting behind the wheel.
The Missouri Department of Transportation launched Buckle Up Phone Down in 2017, and the campaign has since expanded nationwide. More information and an opportunity to accept the challenge are available at modot.org/buckleupphonedown.
