The Arkansas Highway Commission and the Arkansas Department of Transportation are launching a safety campaign to crack down on reckless and distracted driving in work zones across the state.
With the passage of infrastructure funding at both the federal and state level, Arkansas drivers can expect to encounter work zones maintaining and building roads around the state. Last fall, AHC and ARDOT began planning
a campaign to educate passenger vehicle drivers and commercial motor vehicle drivers how to share the road safely in work zones.
The Slow Down, Phone Down campaign will deploy increased ASP and AHP patrols in work zones to watch for
dangerous driving. The goal is to eliminate preventable accidents.
In 2021, there were 2,140 crashes reported in Arkansas work zones — resulting in 16 fatalities and 54 serious injuries.
“We are urging Arkansans to do their part: slow down in work zones, stay off the phone, and pay attention,” said ARDOT Director Lorie Tudor. “It’s going to take all of us working together to reverse this concerning trend.”
Motorists using their phones, following too closely or speeding in work zones will be issued citations.
“As crews go about their jobs improving Arkansas highways, they deserve our best attempts to make their work environment as safe as possible,” said ASP Director Colonel Bill Bryant.
“It’s our duty to protect work zones, the men and women working within them and the citizens driving through them,” said AHP Chief Jeff Holmes. “We have zero tolerance for distracted and reckless driving. We hope this campaign
makes it clear that we need people to slow down and put their phone down when entering a work zone.”
