TEXARKANA -- The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration is launching a national high-visibility enforcement effort this week to deter distracted driving.
Arkansas law enforcement officers will work together to enforce texting and distracted-driving laws and remind drivers to "Pay Attention or Pay the Price: Put the Phone Away or Pay." This effort comes during April, which is National Distracted Driving Awareness Month.
Drivers consistently among the millennial age group have become the worst distracted drivers, using their cellphones to talk, text and scroll through social media, according to NHTSA. And in 2021, there were 3,522 people killed and an estimated additional 362,415 people injured in traffic crashes involving distracted drivers.
"Distracted driving is a leading cause of vehicle crashes on our nation's roads, and most of this distraction can be attributed to cellphone 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."
This week, drivers will see increased law enforcement efforts, as troopers and local law enforcement officers across Arkansas will increase their emphasis on identifying drivers who violate Arkansas' distracted driving laws.
NHTSA and the Arkansas Highway Safety Office urge drivers to put their phones away when behind the wheel and consider these reminders:
-- If you are expecting a text message or need to send one, pull over and park your car in a safe location.
-- 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.
"Cellphone 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," NHTSA advised.