The Mountain Home Police Department in partnership with the U.S. Department of Transportation’s National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) is launching a national high-visibility enforcement effort, effective through Monday, to deter distracted driving. Law enforcement officers nationwide will work together to enforce texting and distracted driving laws. This effort comes during April, which is National Distracted Driving Awareness Month.
According to NHTSA, in 2021, 3,522 people were killed, and an estimated 362,415 people were injured in traffic crashes involving distracted drivers.
Cpl. Morrell from Mountain Home Police Department says, “Distracted driving is a leading cause of vehicle crashes on our nation’s roads, and most of this distraction can be attributed to cell phone use. 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 stop and ticket anyone caught texting and driving. If you text and drive, you will pay.”
Officials urge drivers to put their phones away when behind the wheel.
NHTSA recommends drivers pull over and park in a safe location if expecting a text, ask a passenger to be a “designated texter,” not to engage in social media scrolling or messaging while driving, activating “Do Not Disturb” features, silent notifications or placing the phone in the trunk, glove box or back seat.
For more information, visit https://www.nhtsa.gov/campaign/distracted-driving.
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