DOTD is launching the “Buckle Up, Phone Down” High School Video and Pledge Contest for 2026. High school students are invited to create videos highlighting the importance of wearing seatbelts and avoiding distractions like cell phones when behind the wheel. Rodney Mallett with DOTD says last year, distracted driving was blamed for nearly 22% of all traffic fatalities in Louisiana.
“If people would pay attention while they were driving and put their phone down and not be fiddling with stuff in their car and just pay attention to the roadway, we could knock out 22% of those crashes,” Mallett said.
Mallett says the lack of seatbelt use is an even bigger factor in traffic fatalities.
“About 52 to 55% of fatalities can be related to folks who are unrestrained,” Mallett noted
Mallett says while the video contest is in its second year in Louisiana, the “Buckle Up, Phone Down” Challenge is actually a national initiative that’s been going on for years.
“People have been doing the ‘Buckle Up, Phone Down’ Challenge since 2017, when it started in Missouri,” Mallett explained.
There are prizes for the best videos – $5,000 for first place, 3$3,500 for second place and $1,500 for third place. The contest runs through October 31st.
Information on the initiative, as well as entry forms and rule information, can be found at the BUPD homepage.
Comments