Little Rock, AR – Contributed – The U.S. Department of Transportation’s National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s (NHTSA) “Put the Phone Away or Pay” campaign is reminding drivers of the deadly dangers and legal consequences – including fines – of texting and other forms of messaging behind the wheel.
From April 6-13, Arkansas law enforcement statewide will work together to enforce laws prohibiting distracted driving behind the wheel. These efforts come during National Distracted Driving Awareness Month.
Cell phone use, texting and other activities that don’t contribute to safe driving are all forms of distracted driving. In 49 states, as well as Washington D.C., Puerto Rico, Guam, the Northern Mariana Islands and the Virgin Islands, texting while driving is illegal.
According to NHTSA, in 2023, there were 3,275 people killed and an estimated additional 324,819 people injured in traffic crashes involving distracted drivers. However, limitations in data collection suggest these figures are likely lower than the actual figures.
“Distracted driving, mainly cell phone use, remains a major contributor to serious and fatal crashes,” said Arkansas Public Safety Secretary Col. Mike Hagar. “It is dangerous and illegal and puts everyone on the road at risk. Our officers will increase enforcement and stop and ticket anyone who is texting and driving. If you drive distracted, you will face the consequences.”
Safe driving can be adopted by these phone-free driving habits:
- Pull over and park in a safe location before using the phone to send or read a text message.
- Ask a passenger to be the “designated texter” and allow them to manage calls and messages during the drive.
- Avoid social media scrolling and any form of messaging while behind the wheel.
- Use “Do Not Disturb” mode to silence notifications.
- Drivers can put their phone in the trunk, glove box or back seat of the vehicle to break the habit of driving distracted.
For more information on distracted driving, click here or call the Arkansas Highway Safety Office at (501) 618-8136.
