Arkansas – The Arkansas State Police Highway Safety Office has launched the statewide distracted driving campaign, “Put the Phone Away or Pay.” The high-visibility enforcement effort will run from October 19–25, aiming to raise awareness about the dangers and consequences of distracted driving.
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, distracted driving crashes claimed 3,275 lives nationwide in 2023. Of those fatalities, 611 were pedestrians, cyclists, or other non-motorists.
The report also found that seven percent of drivers between the ages of 15 and 20 who were involved in fatal crashes were distracted at the time—representing the highest proportion among all age groups.
“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. Period.”
The Arkansas State Police urged motorists to drive responsibly and stay focused behind the wheel, emphasizing that distracted driving is both dangerous and illegal.