Louisiana drivers asked to put down phones, wear seatbelts to reduce crashes

BATON ROUGE, La. (Louisiana First) -- Louisiana transportation officials urge drivers across the state to buckle up and put down their phones while traveling on the road.

The Buckle Up, Phone Down campaign aims to reduce the number of deaths caused by distracted driving. According to officials, 25% of all fatal crashes in Louisiana last year were due to distracted driving.

Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development Secretary Glenn Ledet noted increased participation in the campaign from high school students and community members.

“Safety starts with each of us,” said Ledet. “Every time someone buckles their seat belt or chooses not to look at their phone behind the wheel, they’re helping to move Louisiana closer to zero roadway deaths.”

Louisiana State Police Superintendent Col. Robert Hodges said troopers see the consequences of distracted driving every day. He encourages drivers to make the roads safer by wearing a seatbelt and avoiding distractions.

People can sign a pledge available online to commit to not using their phones while driving, have passengers promise to speak up when they feel unsafe in the car, and always wear a seatbelt.

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