October 17, 2025

LITTLE ROCK, Ark. — Today, the Arkansas State Police Highway Safety Office launches the statewide distracted driving campaign, “Put the Phone Away or Pay.” The high-visibility enforcement campaign, running from October 19–25, will remind drivers of the deadly dangers and legal consequences of distracted driving.

In 2023, distracted driving crashes killed 3,275 people across the United States, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. Of those killed, 611 were pedestrians, cyclists and other non-motorists. Seven percent of drivers ages 15 to 20 who were involved in fatal crashes were reported as distracted. This age group had the largest proportion of drivers who were distracted at the time of the fatal crash.

“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 encourages everyone to drive responsibly and keep their eyes on the road. Distracted driving is dangerous—and illegal.

For more information on distracted driving, visit www.nhtsa.gov/campaign/distracted-driving or call the Arkansas Highway Safety Office at (501) 618-8136. Go to https://www.tzdarkansas.org/ to learn about Arkansas’ Toward Zero Deaths campaign to eliminate preventable traffic fatalities.

Additional Information Contact:
ASP Highway Safety Office – Bridget White
(501) 618-8230
[email protected]