WisDOT, West Bend Community Partner to Prevent Distracted Driving Crashes
Event launches state/local partnership, kicks off National Distracted Driving Awareness Month
The Wisconsin Department of Transportation (WisDOT) today joined city of West Bend officials, business leaders and residents to launch a state-local safety partnership and kickoff National Distracted Driving Awareness Month, recognized every April. Spurred by a West Bend Area Chamber of Commerce leadership program, the event brought together state and local leaders to showcase how the city is embracing WisDOT’s anti-distracted driving campaign, Buckle Up Phone Down.
“This is a critical safety issue, not only in our state but across our country,” WisDOT Secretary Kristina Boardman said. “Stopping distracted driving crashes is central to WisDOT’s safety mission of reaching zero preventable traffic deaths in Wisconsin. Seeing an entire community like the city of West Bend embrace this mission is what it’s going to take to move the needle on safety. We’re grateful for this collaboration and are hopeful it will have a positive impact and lead to partnerships in other communities as well.”
In 2025, WisDOT launched a series of powerful Buckle Up Phone Down public service announcements that share the story of the Schwartz family from Washington County who was devastated by a deadly distracted driving crash. Casey Lynn Schwartz, her unborn baby and one-year-old son were killed in the crash in 2022. The tragedy inspired the community of West Bend, located in Washington County, to step up to help raise awareness of the damaging consequences of distracted driving.
The West Bend Area Chamber of Commerce’s Leadership Class 2026 is elevating the message throughout the community during the month of April. The program aims to empower leaders toward action for the local good. Buckle Up Phone Down activities will include:
· A partnership with the West Bend School District to hold a month-long distracted driving educational campaign at West Bend high schools
· Sponsorship of a Buckle Up Phone Down billboard in the community
· Engagement with community members at local events, open houses and fairs using Buckle Up Phone Down stickers and promotional materials
· Dissemination of informational promotional messages using West Bend police and city communications channels
· Urging Washington County residents to take WisDOT’s Buckle Up Phone Down pledge and make a commitment to wear a seat belt and put the phone down, every trip, every time
“The leadership group got involved because Casey Lynn and her boys’ story showed us how one distracted moment can change so many lives. We wanted to honor the Schwartz family by helping others drive safely and protect families from that kind of loss. We hope West Bend’s community-wide commitment will lead to safer roads,” said Bobby Schotzko, a member of the West Bend Area Chamber of Commerce Leadership Class 2026.
Distracted driving is a nationwide issue, and April is designated National Distracted Driving Awareness Month. This designation sets aside time for traffic safety advocates across the country to raise awareness of safe driving. WisDOT’s Buckle Up Phone Down PSAs will air statewide on traditional and digital media outlets throughout the month of April, along with social media posts and other public education efforts.
Distracted driving is involved in more than 9,000 crashes every year in Wisconsin. According to preliminary data, there were more than 3,000 distracted driving crashes in the southeast region of the state, and 254 of those were in Washington County.
“Distracted driving is a significant threat to the safety of the citizens of West Bend, Washington County, and the state of Wisconsin. Our officers routinely investigate crashes caused by drivers who are distracted by texting or other cell phone usage when they should have been focusing on their safe driving responsibilities,” West Bend Police Chief Tim Dehring said. “These drivers are putting themselves and others at risk while on the road and will be held accountable when they cause a crash. Let’s avoid all of that by making safer choices and taking the pledge to ‘Buckle Up, Phone Down.’”
Motorists hold the power to prevent crashes, injuries and fatalities caused by distracted driving. When you’re the driver, avoid distractions, put your phone on “do not disturb,” and keep your eyes on the road. If you’re a passenger, speak up when you see a driver making reckless choices and offer to navigate the route, make a call or respond to a text. It takes everyone on the road to commit to safe driving to stop senseless crashes.
Join the Buckle Up Phone Down effort:
· Wear your seat belt and put your phone down while driving. Every trip. Every time. Remind friends and family to do the same.
o Texting while driving is not only dangerous but also illegal in Wisconsin. If you must use your phone, pull over to a safe location. Sending or reading a text that takes your eyes off the road for five seconds at 55 mph is like driving the length of an entire football field with your eyes closed.
· Cell phones are the biggest distraction behind the wheel. Every driver can help create safer roads in Wisconsin by taking the Buckle Up Phone Down pledge and challenging friends, family and coworkers to do the same.
· WisDOT partners with law enforcement, fire departments, emergency responders, school districts, local businesses, residents and community organizations across the state to spread awareness about the dangers of distracted and unbelted driving in Wisconsin. Anyone looking to become a Buckle Up Phone Down partner can visit WisDOT’s Zero in Wisconsin website to learn how.
Learn more about WisDOT’s Buckle Up Phone Down campaign at wisconsindot.gov/BUPD.
NOTE: This press release was submitted to Urban Milwaukee and was not written by an Urban Milwaukee writer. While it is believed to be reliable, Urban Milwaukee does not guarantee its accuracy or completeness.
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