Arkansas law enforcement agencies will unite this week in the "U Drive. U Text. U Pay." initiative aimed at stopping the dangerous practice of distracted driving, a news release said.
Starting today and continuing through Saturday, Arkansas State Police, joined by Hot Springs police officers, Garland County sheriff's deputies and other officers across the state, will begin an intensified patrol effort to stop drivers who are distracted and fail to keep their eyes on the road.
"One of the leading factors contributing to the epidemic of distracted driving is the simultaneous use of cellphones and other electronic devices to communicate while drivers travel across state highways and local streets," the release said.
"In recent years, young drivers have become the largest segment among distracted driving offenders, using their cellphones to talk, text, and scroll through social media while they are supposed to be in control of their vehicle."
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, since 2007 the number of drivers 16 to 24 years old observed using handheld electronic devices while driving has continually increased compared to older drivers. During 2018, 8% of the people killed in teen driving crashes, ages 15-19, died when teen drivers were distracted at the time of the crash, and in 2019 10% of the teenage drivers were distracted at the time of the crashes.
National Teen Driver Safety Week coincides with the planned distracted driving operation, the release said, noting, "Parents are encouraged to have conversations with their teenage children who are drivers about the important rules they need to follow to stay safe while operating a motor vehicle."
Texting while driving is illegal in 47 states, Washington D.C., Puerto Rico, Guam, and the U.S. Virgin Islands. Even when stopped at a traffic light, distracted driving laws can and will be enforced by law enforcement officers. Young drivers should also be told it's not advisable to use headphones or earbuds while driving because drivers need to be able to hear another vehicle's horn or the siren from an emergency vehicle.
"The growing disregard of distracted driving laws isn't limited just to teenagers," Col. Bill Bryant, director of the Arkansas State Police and the Governor's Highway Safety Representative, said in the release.
"It's frightening to realize many adults are now mimicking the dangerous distracted driving practices of their children and grandchildren which is taking a toll in the form of injuries and deaths on Arkansas roadways," he said.
Cellphones aren't the only cause of distracted driving. A driver who takes their eyes off the road to speak to a passenger, adjust entertainment programming or temperature controls, even eating while driving are all examples of distracted driving.
"People know texting and driving is dangerous and illegal, but they selfishly do it anyway while putting others at risk," Bryant said. "We have to get the message out and beginning (today) state troopers will be sending that message in the form of violator citations to anyone caught texting and driving."
Drivers of any age should put their phones away while behind the wheel and operating a vehicle, the release said. If a text message is necessary, safely exit the street or highway and find a location to stop and use the phone. Never try to read or send a text message while a vehicle is moving. Other tips include:
• Designate a passenger as a "designated texter." Allow the passenger to access the driver's phone.
• Never engage in social media scrolling or posting messages while driving.
• Cellphone use is habit-forming. If a driver is struggling with safe practices, activate the cellphone "Do Not Disturb" feature, or put the phone out of reach from the driver such as in the trunk, glove box, or back seat.
For more information, visit http://www.trafficsafetymarketing.gov or call the Arkansas Highway Safety Office at 501-618-8136.