April is distracted driving awareness month and local law enforcement, as well as officers across Arkansas, have pledged their support by participating in the awareness campaign to stop distracted driving. “U Drive-U Text- U Pay” is both an educational initiative and enforcement effort to keep distracted drivers off the road.During April, drivers will see an increased law enforcement presence on the roadways. Anyone who is caught texting and driving will be stopped and a citation will be issued.
Arkansas law prohibits the use of a hand-held cell phone for texting, typing, email or accessing the internet while driving, regardless of the driver’s age. It is also a “primary offense” law, meaning a state trooper, police officer or sheriff’s deputy can initiate a traffic stop without observing any other violation.
Drivers should be aware of all state laws related to distracted driving, particularly related to the prohibition of using a hand-held cell phone while traveling through school or highway work zones. All drivers under the age of 18 are prohibited from using a cell phone while operating a motor vehicle. Drivers 18 to 20 years of age using a cell phone are required to use a hands-free device.
According to Arkansas State Police, distracted drivers aren’t just a threat to themselves; they’re a danger to everyone else on the road. Safe driving means driving without distractions and any activity taking attention away from driving is hazardous.
Talking or texting on a phone, eating, drinking and adjusting the navigation or audio systems are among the most common distractions.
Colonel Bill Bryant, Director of the Arkansas State Police, says distracted driving is a life or death issue.
Distracted driving research confirms it only takes a few seconds for a child to run into the street or for a driver to miss a red light or stop sign. Doing so may lead to a crash and leave someone dead.
The national distracted driving effort focuses on ways to change the behavior of drivers through legislation, enforcement, public awareness and education. Arkansans can expect to see messages on television, radio, online ads and social media that have been created to remind drivers of the dangers associated with distracted driving.
Distracted driving continues to gain recognition across the nation as a deadly problem. In 2016 alone, 3,450 people were killed in motor vehicle crashes involving distracted drivers.
For more information on distracted driving issues, go to www.Distraction.gov , www.TrafficSafetyMarketing.gov or contact the Arkansas Highway Safety Office at (501) 618-8136.
For more on Arkansas ongoing Toward Zero Deaths campaign to eliminate preventable traffic fatalities, visit www.TZDarkansas.org .
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