TOPIC TUESDAY

This week's topic is cell phone use while operating a vehicle. According to Arkansas traffic law, it is illegal to use your cell phone while operating a vehicle to engage in texting or accessing, reading or posting to a social media networking site. It is also illegal to use a cell phone while in a school zone, even if you're just making a phone call. In addition, drivers under 18 years old are prohibited from driving a vehicle while on the phone, unless it is an emergency. Fines for these traffic violations range from $165-190. These amounts double in work zones. While using your cell phone in those manners is illegal, it is also unsafe. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), distracted driving claimed 3,522 lives in 2021. Distracted driving can be anything from being on your phone to changing the station on your radio. We at the Sheriff's Office want our community members to be as safe as possible while operating a vehicle.