Now through October 12th, Arkansas law enforcement officers and the U.S. Department of Transportation’s National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) have joined forces in a high-visibility enforcement, specifically targeting drivers violating distracted driving laws, known at “U Drive. U Text. U Pay”.

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.