BKPD Reminds Drivers: Put the Phone Away or Pay

Bald Knob, AR — The Bald Knob Police Department is reminding drivers across our community to stay alert and avoid the deadly risks of distracted driving as we enter the fall season. With increased traffic from school activities, seasonal travel, and shorter daylight hours, officers are urging everyone to stay focused behind the wheel and put their phones away.

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), thousands of lives are lost each year due to distracted driving — many of which are preventable. Texting, social media scrolling, and other forms of device use remain leading contributors to severe and fatal crashes nationwide.

Assistant Chief JR Tackett stressed the importance of remaining attentive on the road:“Distracted driving continues to be a major factor in serious crashes, and most of it comes down to cell phone use. People know it’s dangerous, but they do it anyway. When you’re driving, even one glance down can change lives forever. Our officers will be actively watching for violations, and anyone caught texting or driving distracted will be stopped. Put the phone away — it’s not worth the cost.”

The BKPD encourages all drivers to follow these safety practices:

• If a message can’t wait, pull over in a safe location before using your device.

• Ask a passenger to act as your navigator or “designated texter.”

• Never use social media, stream video, or handle apps while driving.

• Use your phone’s “Do Not Disturb” mode to remove temptation.

• Store your phone in the glove box, back seat, or console until you arrive safely.

  
  

Distracted-driving violations can be expensive — but the real cost is far greater: lives lost or changed forever.

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.