The Arkansas State Police Highway Safety Office has launched its statewide distracted driving campaign, “Put the Phone Away or Pay.” The high-visibility enforcement effort runs from October 19 through 25 and aims to remind drivers of the dangers and legal consequences of distracted driving.
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, 3,275 people were killed in distracted driving crashes across the United States in 2023. Of those, 611 were pedestrians, cyclists, or other non-motorists. Drivers ages 15 to 20 represented the highest percentage of distracted drivers involved in fatal crashes.
“Distracted driving, especially using a phone while driving, remains one of the deadliest risks on our roads,” said Colonel Mike Hagar, Arkansas Public Safety Secretary and the Governor’s Highway Safety Representative. “The statewide ‘Put the Phone Away or Pay’ campaign focuses on educating drivers and enforcing Arkansas’ distracted driving laws. Fewer distracted drivers means safer roadways.”
State Police urge drivers to stay focused and keep their eyes on the road. Distracted driving is not only dangerous-it’s illegal.
For more information, visit nhtsa.gov or contact the Arkansas Highway Safety Office at (501) 618-8136. Details about Arkansas’ Toward Zero Deaths campaign can be found at tzdarkansas.org.
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