The Manitowoc Police and Fire Departments are reminding residents of the risks of distracted driving.
They have joined the Buckle Up Phone Down program to promote safer roads in Manitowoc.
Along with the reminder, they offered some revealing data from the state involving distracted driving last year.
In 2023, distracted driving was a factor in over 9,200 crashes, which led to 23 deaths.
On a positive note, those numbers are down 41 percent from 2022.
The statistics also revealed that almost two-thirds of distracted drivers last year were 26 years old or older.
Distracted driving risks are compounded when drivers do not wear seatbelts, and last year, eight percent of Wisconsin drivers did not use seatbelts.
Of all fatalities on roads in the state last year, unbuckled drivers and passengers made up 46 percent of those deaths.
The Manitowoc Fire and Police Departments also stated that cell phones significantly contribute to distracted driving because they take an operator’s eyes off the road, hands off the wheel, and mind off driving.
If you want to join the cause to make Wisconsin roads safer, visit wisconsindot.gov/BUPD.
