As part of their ongoing effort to promote road safety and reduce distracted driving-related crashes, New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy and the New Jersey Department of Transportation have declared October 25^th as Buckle Up Phone Down Day in New Jersey.

Governor Murphy issued a proclamation encouraging motorists to pledge to make the roads safer for themselves and others by taking the Buckle Up Phone Down Challenge.

The challenge asks motorists to take two simple actions when getting into any vehicle – buckle up and put down the phone while behind the wheel. In 2022, three out of every ten people killed in crashes on New Jersey roadways were unbuckled. Putting on a seatbelt is a simple and effective safety measure, and a driver or passenger’s first line of defense in the event of a crash.

The sheer number of smartphones and other electronic devices means drivers are more likely to be distracted while on the road. The Buckle Up Phone Down Challenge reminds motorists to put away these items until they are safely parked.

“While we continue to improve the efficiency and quality of our infrastructure across the state, we urge all New Jersey motorists to do their own part to keep our roads as safe as possible,” Governor Murphy said in a statement.

“Crashes can be avoided, especially when we work together to practice these simple – but often overlooked – steps. By buckling up and putting the phone down, New Jerseyans can better protect not just themselves, but their families and fellow road users as well.”

“The Buckle Up Phone Down Challenge is an effort to curb unsafe driving habits that have become so common among motorists. It is important to be a good example to our children, our future drivers,” NJDOT Commissioner Diane Gutierrez-Scaccetti, who also serves as Governor Murphy’s chief of staff, said. “The two simple acts of buckling up and putting your phone down may save your life or the lives of others.”