NHTSA and Law Enforcement Remind Drivers: Put the Phone Away or Pay

TRUMANN, Ark. — The U.S. Department of Transportation’s National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) is launching a national high-visibility enforcement effort, April 10-14, 2025, to deter distracted driving. The Trumann Police Department and law enforcement officers nationwide will work together to enforce texting and distracted-driving laws and remind drivers: Put the Phone Away or Pay. This effort comes during April, which is National Distracted Driving Awareness Month.

According to NHTSA, in 2022 there were 3,308 people killed and an estimated additional 289,310 people injured in traffic crashes involving distracted drivers. However, due to data collection limitations, we know that these are underestimations.

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“Distracted driving is a leading cause of vehicle crashes on our nation’s roads, and most of this distraction can be attributed to cell phone use,” said Captain Gary W. Henry Sr. “People know using their phone while driving is dangerous and often illegal, but they do it anyway, and put themselves and others at risk. Drivers will see increased law enforcement efforts, as officers will be stopping and ticketing anyone who is caught texting and driving. If you text and drive, you will pay,” he said.

Violating Arkansas’ distracted-driving laws (Paul’s Law) can be costly.

Paul’s law was named in honor of Paul Davidson, a Jonesboro resident and a personal friend, who was killed in a head on collision in 2008. The other driver admitted to texting and driving which led to the accident. Paul Davidson was a father of three and was planning his wedding when this tragedy occurred.

Drive Safe Every Trip

NHTSA and the Trumann Police Department urges drivers to put their phones away when behind the wheel. If you are the driver, follow these steps for a safe drive:

· If you are expecting a text message or need to send one that can’t wait, pull over and park your car in a safe location before using your device.

· Ask your passenger to be your “designated texter.” Allow them access to your phone to respond to calls or messages.

· Do not engage in social media scrolling or messaging while driving.

· Cell phone use is habit-forming. Struggling to not text and drive? Activate your phone’s “Do Not Disturb” feature, silence notifications, or put your phone in the trunk, glove box, or back seat of your vehicle until you arrive at your destination.

Cell phone use while driving is dangerous and illegal. Break the cycle. Remember: Put the Phone Away or Pay. For more information, visit www.nhtsa.gov/campaign/distracted-driving.

press release – Trumann Police Department