Governor Mike Parson has proclaimed Friday, October 16, as Buckle Up Phone Down Day in Missouri, and fellow Missourian and former race car driver Carl Edwards is lending his famous name to the cause, all in an effort to encourage Missourians to take two simple actions to save lives on the state’s highways – fasten their seatbelts and put their phones down while driving.

A press release says as part of the promotion, Missourians are invited to join in a virtual BUPD Day kickoff event that will launch at 9 a.m. on Oct. 16 on MoDOT’s Facebook page.

In addition to Parson and Edwards, participants include Missouri Department of Transportation Director Patrick McKenna; Missouri State Highway Patrol Col. Eric Olson; and AAA Public Affairs Specialist Nick Chabarria.

They will be joined by two crash survivors from “ThinkFirst Missouri” – Chad Kitzman and Chad Burton – who will provide their personal perspective on the perils of texting while driving and riding in a vehicle without a seatbelt.

This is the fourth year MoDOT and the Missouri Coalition for Roadway Safety, along with safety partners throughout the state, will mark Buckle Up Phone Down Day with events and activities designed to encourage drivers to buckle up and avoid cell phone use.

Since the program began in 2017, more than 13,000 individuals and businesses have accepted the BUPD challenge to always wear their seat belts and put their phones down while driving.