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As Missouri marks a decade of the Buckle Up Phone Down movement, it also nears an accomplishment not seen since 2011: four consecutive years of declining roadway fatalities.
The 10th annual BUPD Day on Oct. 28 prioritized this goal by sharing messages urging drivers to use safe driving practices as we head into the holiday and winter season. MoDOT collaborated with various safety partners, schools and businesses throughout Missouri and more than a dozen other states to promote personal responsibility and safe behavior behind the wheel.
To date in 2026, 716 people have died in vehicle incidents on Missouri roadways, with more than half of those unbuckled. Distracted driving also remains a leading cause of crashes in Missouri. In 2025, distracted driving was cited in crashes that claimed 97 lives, though the actual number is likely higher due to the underreporting of distracted drivers.
Recent efforts such as the passage of the Siddens-Bening Hands-Free Law have helped, but distracted driving continues to claim the lives of too many Missourians every year. BUPD Day serves an important purpose to raise awareness of safe driving habits leading into the holiday season.
Last year, 144 people were killed in Missouri traffic crashes from Nov. 1-Dec. 31. With increased travel, holiday gatherings, shorter days and the potential for adverse weather, it is imperative drivers remain vigilant in the coming months if Missouri is to maintain the current momentum toward reducing fatalities for the fourth year in a row.
The Buckle Up Phone Down campaign represents a call to action for everyone to make the simple decisions that keep our roads safe. Accept the BUPD challenge and commit to always wear your seat belt and put down your phone while driving so everyone can work together to reduce roadway fatalities each year.
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