04/02/2026
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: April 2, 2026
CONTACT: Prairie Grove Police Department
NHTSA and Law Enforcement Remind Drivers to
Drive Phone-free
PRAIRIE GROVE, Arkansas — The U.S. Department of Transportation’s National Highway Traffic
Safety Administration’s Put the Phone Away or Pay campaign is reminding drivers of the deadly
dangers and legal consequences — including fines — of texting and other forms of messaging
behind the wheel. From April 9-13, 2026, law enforcement nationwide will work together to
enforce laws prohibiting distracted driving behind the wheel. These efforts come during
National Distracted Driving Awareness Month.
Cell phone use, texting and other activities that don’t contribute to safe driving are all forms of
distracted driving. In 49 states, including Washington, DC, Puerto Rico, Guam, the Northern
Mariana Islands and the Virgin Islands, texting while driving is illegal. According to NHTSA, in
2024 there were 3,208 people killed and an estimated additional 315,167 people injured in
traffic crashes involving distracted drivers. However, data collection limitations show that these
figures are likely lower than the real figures.
“Distracted driving, mainly cell phone use, remains a major contributor to serious and fatal
crashes,” said Police Chief Chris Workman, “It is dangerous, it is illegal, and it puts everyone on
the road at risk. Our officers will increase enforcement and stop and ticket anyone who is
texting and driving. If you drive distracted, you will face the consequences,” he said.
Violating Arkansas’ distracted-driving laws can be costly.
Safe driving can be adopted by these phone-free driving habits:
• Pull over and park in a safe location before using the phone to send or read a text
message.
• Ask a passenger to be the “designated texter” and allow them to manage calls and
messages during the drive.
• Avoid social media scrolling and any form of messaging while behind the wheel.
• Use “Do Not Disturb” mode to silence notifications.
• Drivers can put their phone in the trunk, glove box or back seat of the vehicle to break
the habit of driving distracted.
For more information on distracted driving, visit NHTSA.gov/Distracted.