If you’re in the habit of texting and driving, law enforcement officials in Arkansas might take note of the dangerous practice.
According to a release from the Arkansas State Police, Arkansas law enforcement officers will join forces with the U.S. Department of Transportation’s National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) through Oct. 12 to participate in a high visibility enforcement effort directed at drivers violating distracted driving laws.
Arkansas has joined the national “U Drive. U Text. U Pay.” operation formed to stop distracted driving. Police and sheriff’s departments have pledged the support of their officers and deputies to spread a unified message that distracted drivers are not only a danger to themselves, but everyone operating a motor vehicle on Arkansas roadways, the state police said.
Between 2012 and 2018, nearly 23,000 people died as the result of motor vehicle crashes attributed to distracted driving, according to NHTSA records. While there were 2,841 deaths from crashes caused by distracted driving during 2018, a 12 percent decrease from the previous year, law enforcement agency leaders say additional emphasis devoted to stopping violators is still needed.
Millennials and older Generation Z drivers have become the most egregious offenders of texting while driving, the ASP release said. A comparison of NHTSA statistics indicate that since 2007, drivers 16 to 24 years of age have been using handheld electronic devices while operating a vehicle in greater numbers of instances than older drivers have. During 2018, eight percent of the people killed among teenage drivers (15 – 19 years old) were distracted at the time of the crashes.
“It’s inexcusable how common it has become to see people driving while looking at their phone,” said Col. Bill Bryant, director of the Arkansas State Police and the Governor’s Highway Safety representative. “That’s why Arkansas motorists can expect to see an increase in law enforcement presence on streets and highways looking for distracted driving violators who will be stopped and issued a ticket.”
The state police said many drivers are guilty of practicing a double standard when it comes to distracted driving. A 2018 American Automobile Association Traffic Safety Culture Index reported that nearly 96 percent of drivers believe it is very or extremely dangerous to read a text message or email while driving, yet, 4 out of 10 drivers admitted to doing it within the previous 30 days.
“People know that texting while driving is dangerous and illegal, yet without considering the consequences that could end in someone being injured or losing their life, they do it anyway,” Bryant said.
Arkansas law enforcement and NHTSA urge Arkansas motorists to lay their phones aside while driving and practice the following suggestions, ensuring everyone remains safe:
• While driving, if you’re expecting a text message or need to send one, pull over and park the vehicle in a safe location. Once the vehicle is safely off the road and parked, it’s safe to text.
• Ask your passenger to be a “designated texter.” Allow them access to your phone to respond to calls and messages.
• Do not engage in social media scrolling, reading, or messaging while driving.
• Cell phone use is habit forming. Activate your phones’ “Do Not Disturb” feature or place the phone in the trunk or an out of reach location until you reach your destination.
For more information on distracted driving, visit trafficsafetymarketing.gov or contact the Arkansas Highway Safety Office at (501) 618-8136.
Get up-to-date local and regional news along with the latest sports and weather every weekday morning by listening to Gary B. on Ozark Newsline, broadcast from the First Community Bank Newsroom on Arkansas 103.3. White River Now updates are also aired weekday mornings on 93 KZLE, Outlaw 106.5, and Your FM 99.5. Have a news tip or event to promote? Email White River Now at news@whiterivernow.com. Be sure to like and follow us on Facebook and Twitter. Add don’t forget to download the White River Now mobile app from the Google Play Store or the Apple App Store.
