LITTLE ROCK, Ark.- Law enforcement agencies across Arkansas are ramping up efforts to combat distracted driving as part of a nationwide safety campaign.
From April 6-13, officers statewide will participate in the U.S. Department of Transportation’s National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s “Put the Phone Away or Pay” campaign. The initiative coincides with National Distracted Driving Awareness Month and aims to reduce crashes caused by drivers using their phones while driving.
Officials say texting, scrolling social media and other phone-related activities remain a leading cause of serious and fatal crashes. According to NHTSA, distracted driving was linked to 3,275 deaths and an estimated 324,819 injuries nationwide in 2023, though the agency notes those numbers are likely underreported…