The Missouri Coalition for Roadway Safety is seeking your help in creating its next Buckle Up Phone Down public service announcement (PSA).

To date, Missouri has had 497 fatalities with 66 percent unbuckled. This number is on pace with 2020, which ended the year with the highest number of fatalities in a decade.

The simple act of buckling your seat belt can improve your chances of surviving a crash by 45 percent, according to the organization. And by putting your phone down- every time, every trip- you can better concentrate on the road ahead and react to whatever surprises it might bring.

The video PSA contest is simple:
· Create a 30-second PSA that tells others why buckling up and putting their phone down while driving is important.
· Fill out the online application
· Once the your online form is received, you will be sent a link to upload your video

The winning PSA will be featured at this year’s Buckle Up Phone Down Day celebration in October and will be used in BUPD campaigns throughout the state.

Complete contest rules and submission requirements can be found at www.savemolives.com/BUPDContest.

Entries must be received by August 30, 2021.

For more information, call MoDOT at 888-ASK-MODOT (275-6636) or visit www.modot.org.