ARKANSAS LAW ENFORCEMENT REMINDS DRIVERS: PUT THE PHONE AWAY OR PAY

The Arkansas State Police Highway Safety Office (AHSO) is launching a state high-visibility enforcement effort, April 7-14, 2025, to deter distracted driving. Law enforcement officers statewide will work together to enforce texting and distracted-driving laws and remind drivers: Put the Phone Away or Pay. This effort comes during April, which is National Distracted Driving Awareness Month and coincides with the national campaign being launched by the U.S. Department of Transportation’s National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) during the month.

Distractions while driving, whether it’s texting, talking on the phone, or anything else that takes attention away from driving, significantly impair a driver’s ability to react to hazards and make quick decisions and is a major cause of death and injury. According to NHTSA, in 2022 there were 3,308 people killed and nearly 290,000 people injured in traffic crashes involving distracted drivers.

“Distracted driving is a leading cause of motor vehicle crashes on our nation’s roads, and most of this distraction can be attributed to cell phone use,” said Arkansas Public Safety Secretary Colonel Mike Hagar. “People know using their phone while driving is dangerous and often illegal, but they do it anyway and put themselves and others at risk. Drivers will see increased law enforcement efforts, as officers will be stopping and ticketing anyone who is caught texting and driving. If you text and drive, you will pay.” 

The AHSO and NHTSA urge drivers to put their phones away when behind the wheel. If you are the driver, follow these steps for a safe drive:

• • If you are expecting a text message or need to send one that can’t wait, pull over and park your car in a safe location before using your device. 
• • Ask your passenger to be your “designated texter.” Allow them access to your phone to respond to calls or messages.
• • Do not engage in social media scrolling or messaging while driving.

Cell phone use is habit-forming. Struggling to not text and drive? Activate your phone’s “Do Not Disturb” feature, silence notifications, or put your phone in the trunk, glove box, or back seat of your vehicle until you arrive at your destination. Cell phone use while driving is dangerous and illegal. Break the cycle. Remember: Put the Phone Away or Pay.

For more information, visit www.nhtsa.gov/campaign/distracted-driving or call the Arkansas Highway Safety Office at (501) 618-8136, and go to https://www.tzdarkansas.org/ to learn about Arkansas’ Toward Zero Deaths campaign to eliminate preventable traffic fatalities.