Blog/News

NHTSA Reminds Drivers and Riders That May is Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month

Motorcyclist Safety Is Everyone’s Safety Additional Information Contact: ASP Highway Safety Office – Bridget White (501) 618-8230 asp.pio@asp.arkansas.gov (LITTLE ROCK) May 3, 2023 – This May, the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Na... Read More

ARKANSAS LAW ENFORCEMENT TO RAMP UP EFFORTS TO COMBAT DISTRACTED DRIVING

March 29, 2023 Distracted driving continues to be one of the leading causes of motor vehicle crashes on our nation’s roadways. The Arkansas State Police Highway Safety Office (HSO) is working with state and local law enforcement agencies to encou... Read More

Don't Rely On Luck This St. Patrick's Day - Drive Sober Or Get Pulled Over

March 13, 2023 For many, celebratory drinks and St. Patrick’s Day go together like corned beef and cabbage. To help keep roadways safe throughout the state this St. Patrick’s Day, Arkansas law enforcement officers are teaming up with the U.S. D... Read More

Check Your Vehicle for Recalls During Vehicle Safety Recalls Week March 6-12, 2023

For immediate release: March 6, 2023 Contact: Taylen Peterson | tpeterson@fedgeek.com [Kansas City, MO] — The U.S. Department of Transportation’s National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s (NHTSA) mission is simple: Keep people safe on ... Read More

STOP BEFORE DRIVING IMPAIRED; HOLIDAY LAW ENFORCEMENT PUSH TO PROTECT MOTORISTS “DRIVE SOBER OR GET PULLED OVER”

Additional Information Contact: Highway Safety Office – Bridget White (501) 618-8356 - bridget.white@asp.arkansas.gov DECEMBER 14, 2022 The festivities of Christmas and New Year holidays is often mixed with good cheer leading to tragedies on Ar... Read More

Click it or Ticket: Ramped-Up Enforcement of Seat Belt Law for Thanksgiving Week

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION CONTACT: BRIDGET WHITE – (501) 618-8356 ARKANSAS STATE POLICE HIGHWAY SAFETY OFFICE NOVEMBER 14, 2022 Arkansas law enforcement officers plan to bolster their patrol assignments aimed at violators who are not buckled-up wh... Read More

U Text, U Drive, U Pay

LIFE SAVING REMINDER: U DRIVE, YOU TEXT, YOU PAY Additional Information Contact: ASP Highway Safety Office – Bridget White (501) 618-8356 bridget.white@asp.arkansas.gov OCTOBER 14, 2022 Typing or reading cellular telephone messages while driv... Read More

END OF SUMMER PATROLS AIMED AT IMPAIRED DRIVERS

END OF SUMMER PATROLS AIMED AT IMPAIRED DRIVERS Additional Information Contact: Highway Safety Office – Bridget White (501) 618-8356 bridget.white@asp.arkansas.gov AUGUST 15, 2022 Arkansas motorists will begin to see more Arkansas State Trooper... Read More

State & Local Police On Guard Against Drunk Drivers Before and During Long July 4th Holiday

The Independence Day holiday will be a prolonged celebration this year, as the nation’s birthday occurs on a Monday. Many Arkansas families will start their travel plans Friday with varied destinations over the following three days. With increa... Read More

MAKE IT HOME TO MOM SAFELY

The Arkansas State Police is joining with four other state highway patrol agencies that comprise Region 7 of the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) to make highway travel safer for the upcoming Mother’s Day weekend (May 6th ... Read More

Fact or Fiction Top Six Reasons You Should Buckle Up

Fiction is a belief or statement that is false, but that is often held to be true because it is convenient to do so. With that in mind, there are some statements that surround seat belt safety that are fiction. You are more likely to encounter a la... Read More

7 Heroic Safe Driving Habits

Arkansas drivers are encouraged to drive defensively. It is the kind of driving that saves time, money and lives. It’s recommended to take a defensive driving course to master these skills. One of our safety partners Thompson Driving offers court... Read More

Think About The Consequences Buckle Up Arkansas

Your seat belt is crucial to surviving a crash. Make the lifesaving choice to buckle up every trip. In 2019, nearly half of passenger vehicle occupants who died in crashes were unrestrained. That’s worth repeating. So, let’s say it another way ... Read More

Whats Your Seat Belt Safety IQ

Photo Credit Inside Graphic: Decatur Police Department Seat Belts Save Lives! 90.4% Seat Belt Use Rate In 2021 14955 Lives Saved By Seat Belts In 2017 2549 additional lives could have been saved in 2017 if everyone had buckled up Source: ... Read More

NHTSA Announces 2022 Public Service Awards

One of Arkansas' own, Laura Bailey, Environmental Branch Chief, Office of Alcohol Testing Received 2022 Public Service Award In Chicago at Life Savers Conference* Photo Credit: AHSO The U.S. Department of Transportation’s National Highway Traffi... Read More

STATE & LOCAL LAW ENFORCEMENT PLAN STEPPED-UP ENFORCEMENT OF DISTRACTED DRIVING LAWS

Distracted driving continues to be one of the leading causes of motor vehicle crashes along nationwide roadways. The Arkansas State Police Highway Safety Office is working with state and local law enforcement agencies to encourage drivers to put d... Read More

Top 6 Questions Before Bypassing The Buckle If You Drive Rural Roads

Out in the country is what most rural residents of Arkansas call living rural. You might be surprised to know in 2019, 68% of fatal crashes in Arkansas occurred on rural roads and 82% of Arkansas roads are rural. * Here are six questions to test y... Read More

If You're going to Drink to St. Paddy; Plan a Safe Ride Home

MARCH 14, 2022 The boisterous celebrations of St. Patrick’s Day are expected to return this year. Regardless to what extent the celebrations may trend toward in local communities, drivers who may participate are encouraged to make plans for a saf... Read More

BAT Mobile Checks In At Arkansas State Police Headquarters

What is the B.A.T. Mobile? The B.A.T. Mobile is a highly specialized vehicle used for conducting sobriety checkpoints throughout the state. The B.A.T. Mobile program is based at the Black River Technical College’s Law Enforcement Training Academ... Read More

Learn The Law 6 Turn Signals

RULES OF THE ROAD 6 Turn Signals Blinkers* Photo Credit** This week, we are looking at the law on turn signals, or what most people in the South refer to as "blinkers." Many of you have asked us about the laws if you have to use them and when. So... Read More

Learn The Law 5 Left Turn Lane

RULES OF THE ROAD 5 Too many crashes happen (or almost happen) daily due to incorrect use of the center turn lane. A center left-turn lane is a single lane in the middle of a road that is used for cars that are TURNING LEFT from either direction. ... Read More

Learn The Law 4 Saint Patrick's Day

RULES OF THE ROAD 4 Saint Patrick's Day* In honor of St. Paddy's Day tomorrow, this week we share the DUI laws that cover our state. If you decide to go out on the town this week or this weekend to celebrate, remember to designate a sober driver b... Read More

Learn The Law 3 Headlights When

Learn The Law 3 Headlights When? Today we are covering a "pet peeve" of many people, and one that causes may safety issues!! Many people have messaged our page with questions about bright lights, "blue" headlights, etc. so we wanted to cover it qu... Read More

Learn the Law 2 Seat Belts Saves Lives

RULES OF THE ROAD 2 Seat Belts Saves Lives Seat Belts Save Lives 90.4% Seat Belt Use Rate In 2021 14955 Lives Saved By Seat Belts In 2017 2549 additional lives could have been saved in 2017 if everyone had buckled up Source: Seat Belt Safety |... Read More

Learn The Law 1 Move Over Its The Law

Rules Of The Road 1 - Move Over! Almost weekly, we hear the headline "officer killed on traffic stop". This has to stop! The "Move Over Law" require drivers, upon noticing either emergency vehicle with sirens and/or flashing lights, to move away f... Read More

Introducing Learn The Law Series

MERGING Learn The Law Series (Back by Popular Demand) Introduction & Merging Learn The Law 1 - Move Over! LTL Special Edition - Super Bowl LVL Learn The Law 2 - Seat Belts Saves Lives Learn The Law 3 - Headlights When? Learn The Law 4 -... Read More

ARDOT And Safety Partners Urge Arkansans to Slow Down To Prevent Work Zone Deaths

In four years, work zone crashes in Arkansas have increased by more than 70%. The Arkansas Highway Commission and the Arkansas Department of Transportation (ARDOT) are urging a unified effort between citizens and workers to increase work zone safe... Read More

Drinks At The Super Bowl Party Designate Before You Celebrate

Super Bowl LVI / February 13, 2022 (Sunday) Each year, the Super Bowl garners millions of viewers, with many taking the opportunity to cheer on their favored team with a night out or by attending a party. To help keep us all safe on the roads, NHT... Read More

7 Fatality Crashes Over The Weekend And 8 Pedestrian Deaths This Month

We have seven fatality crashes over the weekend of December 18th and 19th, 2021 in Arkansas. One involved a car being hit by a train (Cleveland County) and four involved pedestrians. One of those pedestrians was working on road construction on Inte... Read More

AHSO SafARoads Newsletter Year End Issue

THIS ISSUE 502 Crash Fatalities 1 Saved By The Belt 2 Staff Spotlight 3 Cindy Grisham Corner 4 S.A.F.E. Driver Pledge 5 STEPS In Action 5 Year End Calendar 5 Download or View Online here.... Read More

Make The Choice Designate Before You Celebrate

Plan a safe ride home. Arkansas, be safe. Don’t drink and drive. We all wish our lives would return to normal—but as we go out to restaurants, other venues and parties to gather with friends, remember to plan a safe ride home. The ones who don... Read More

STEER CLEAR OF UNSAFE SPIRITS THIS HOLIDAY SEASON; DRIVE SOBER OR GET PULLED OVER

One person died every 52 minutes as the result of drunk driving crashes on U.S. streets and highways during 2019. Even during the joyous Christmas season, the deadly statistics continue to mount. This holiday season, the U.S. Department of Transpo... Read More

STEP Grants What Are They And Who Can Apply

Arkansas Highway Safety Office STEP Grants--What are they and who can apply for them? The Selective Traffic Enforcement Program (STEP), available to law enforcement agencies, is designed to reduce traffic crashes, injuries and fatalities. The STEP ... Read More

Of All the Belts You Buckle, Your Seat Belt is the Most Important

Arkansas Trooper Davis wants you to know, "Whether your travel takes you across town or across the country, always wear your seatbelt."... Read More

Share Thanksgiving with a Reminder to Friends and Family; Buckle-Up

Additional Information Contact: Bridget White - Arkansas State Police Highway Safety Office - (501) 618-8356 bridget.white@asp.arkansas.gov Law enforcement officers across Arkansas have teamed-up for a mission with the U.S. Department of Transporta... Read More

Last Year 648 Crash Fatalities Occurred On Arkansas Highways

New TZD Blog Launch for Safety Partners The greatest resource of the Arkansas State Police Highway Safety Office are the people that work there. They are the ones that go to bat for you, the driving public every day. They crunch numbers, tally funds... Read More

Rock Paper Scissors Fayetteville Officers Care About Their Community

Rock. Paper. Scissors. Fayetteville Officers Care About Their Community *Photo Credit: Fayetteville Police Department We, at AHSO will periodically spotlight some of the law enforcement agencies who serve their communities across the state of Ark... Read More

636 Arkansas Pedestrian Related Crashes

October is Pedestrian Safety Awareness Month. I checked and we currently have 636 pedestrian related crashes reported in the state. September led with 89 crashes and October has already had 14.* The following jurisdictions have reported at least o... Read More

Motorcycle Fatality Number 62 For The Year In September

We had motorcycle fatality #62 for the year yesterday [in Arkansas]. A representative in DL/CDL checked the DL status of all of the motorcyclists she could on these and approximately one-half of them did NOT have a motorcycle endorsement on their l... Read More

13 Motorcycle Fatalities In 13 Crashes For September

Not good news for any of us in the state of Arkansas but we recorded the 53rd fatality for the month [September] yesterday, with ten of them coming in double fatality accidents. (Lonoke, Cleveland, Ashley, Phillips, and Independence) Also, yesterd... Read More

NHTSA PDF Printable Planner 2022 Thru 2024

NHTSA's Printable Planner for National Impaired Driving HVE Campaign (see below) FY2022 MOBILIZATION DATES State Distracted Driving Mobilizations - October 17-23, 2021 State Seat Belt Mobilization - November 22 - 28, 2021 National Winter DWI ... Read More

LAW ENFORCEMENT OFFICERS WARN DRIVERS, “EYES ON THE ROAD, NOT THE PHONE”

U Drive. U Text. U Pay. Additional Information Contact: Bridget White - Highway Safety Office (501) 618-8356 - bridget.white@asp.arkansas.gov Arkansas law enforcement agencies will unite in the “U Drive. U Text. U Pay.” initiative aimed at stop... Read More

More Speeding On Arkansas Roads Meant More Deadly Crashes

CINDY GRISHAM CORNER Summary: Deadly auto crashes more likely during pandemic lockdown. A new study found fewer people on the road during the early days of the pandemic, more drivers were speeding and driving recklessly, resulting in more deadly c... Read More

2021 Share The Road Tours Motorcycle Rallies Across The State

Photos by Safety Partner Jason Bennett The Arkansas State Police Highway Safety Office toured motorcycle rallies across the state this year raising awareness and promoting motorcycle safety. Continuing the initial 2016 FAST Act congressional manda... Read More

Why Take the SAFE Driver Pledge

Good Question! Thank you for asking. Here's why you should take the S.A.F.E. Driver Challenge, pledging to the Arkansas Traffic Safety Cause of reducing traffic crash deaths and serious injuries. All lives are valuable. At the Arkansas State Polic... Read More

Arkansas Crash Fatality Count At 29 in 12 Days

Cindy Grisham Corner Arkansas had ten fatalities in nine crashes over the weekend, six involved motorcycles and one involved an ATV. Four of the motorcycles were single vehicle crashes. That is eleven motorcycle fatalities this month. The ATV fata... Read More

6 Million Plus Visitors To State Parks In 2021

Cindy Grisham's Corner Hey Everybody! I got the weekly state parks visitation information yesterday from the office of Stacy Hurst at the Department of Parks, Heritage and Tourism and they have had over 6 million visitors this year to the state ... Read More

Celebrating Partnership And A Life Saving Choice To Buckle Up

How did the Arkansas Highway Safety Office newest 'Saved By The Belt Story' come about? So glad you asked. Here's the back-story on how that all played out. It’s about a partnership and celebrating three men who made a life-saving choice to buckle ... Read More

Troopers Use Low Profile Tahoes To Address Spike Of Drivers Speeding Over 100 MPH

In the year 2020: 641 Arkansas deaths resulted from motor vehicle crashes During calendar year 2020 there were 641 Arkansas deaths resulting from motor vehicle crashes, a 27% increase over the previous year. The number of highway crash deaths has ... Read More

News Release: Troopers Utilize New Low Profile Patrols

TROOPERS TO UTILIZE NEW LOW PROFILE PATROLS TARGETING AGGRESSIVE & DISTRACTED DRIVERS SEPTEMBER 7, 2021 A dangerous and escalating trend in the number of aggressive driving violations on the state’s highways has Arkansas State Troopers turn... Read More

Ped Bike Safety What Can I Do

What can I do? As A Motorist commit to being alert and sharing the road with both pedestrians and bicycles. Be patient at intersections or if a bicycle is using your lane. DRIVE with Care—Get There! DRIVE ALERT. Avoid distractions and using ... Read More

New Saved By The Belt Stories

Honoring traffic crash survivors who were buckled up is a positive method for agencies to show their communities that seat belt use is important, and that officers care that motorists obey the law. The Saved by the Belt program gives law enforcement ... Read More

Submit Your Saved By The Belt Story

The Arkansas State Police - Highway Safety Office Saved by the Belt program raises awareness about the importance and responsibility of everyone to buckle up. We at AHSO celebrate those individuals who were involved in a car crash and were Saved by... Read More

Nominate A Traffic Crash Survivor For Saved By The Belt Award

NOMINATE A TRAFFIC CRASH SURVIVOR | SUBMIT YOUR ‘SAVED BY THE BELT’ STORY Honoring traffic crash survivors who were buckled up is a positive method for agencies to show their communities that seat belt use is important, and that officers care ... Read More

New Saved By The Belt Program

The Arkansas State Police - Highway Safety Office Saved by the Belt program, a component of the "Local Hero Project" raises awareness about the importance and responsibility of everyone to buckle up. The traveling public is one of our largest and i... Read More

New Mobilizations Dates FY2022

National Mobilizations List & NHTSA's Printable Planner for National Impaired Driving HVE Campaign (see below) FY2022 MOBILIZATION DATES State Distracted Driving Mobilizations - October 17-23, 2021 State Seat Belt Mobilization - November 2... Read More

SafARoads Introductory Issue

SafARoads Newsletter (August 2021) SafARoads Newsletter Sign Up Click the blue box below to sign up for SafARoads Newsletter ... Read More

What Are Mini STEP Grants

Mini STEPS (Selective Traffic Enforcement Projects) are Law Enforcement Traffic Service Grants that provide financial assistance to Arkansas law enforcement agencies for equipment, technology, and overtime expenses during high-visibility traffic safe... Read More

Recent BAT Mobile Reveal

Arkansas Highway Safety Office Administrator Bridget White and Office Manager Debra Hollis represent at July 4, 2021 DSOGPO event hosted by partners NHTSA, Arkansas and Missouri National Parks and respective new B.A.T. Mobile Reveal of each state. ... Read More

Cindy Grisham Corner

Pursuing Life Saving Proof Cindy Grisham is the Traffic Records Manager here at the Highway Safety Office, otherwise known as our resident “Data Cruncher”. Based on her data, this is what we know to be true in Arkansas: This year: 359 crash d... Read More

AHSO eGrants FAQs

Question 1: How does AHSO decide what programs will be funded? Answer: The annual process for determining what projects will receive federal traffic safety funding starts with a thorough analysis of the most recent Arkansas traffic crash data that i... Read More

Mini Steps Grow To 50

After nearly a year, Arkansas Governor Asa Hutchinson lifted the ban on travel recently. Retired U.S. Probation Officer and former Criminal Justice Professor, Mr. Alton Taylor was excited! When asked why, he replied, “I love getting to meet face to... Read More

Steps In Action

Photo Courtesy of Benton County Sheriff Office Arkansas Highway Safety Office (AHSO) grants are initiatives introduced by National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHSTA) in 2014. NHTSA grants by AHSO awarded $3.9 million in federal grant mo... Read More

Woo Hoo AHSO

Arkansas Highway Safety Office ACCOMPLISHMENTS The AHSO celebrates these achievements and looks forward to doing more in the coming fiscal year of 2022 Jump around – Get Excited! – Make Some Noise!!! Woohoo! We ARe Saving Lives Together!!! ... Read More

Meet AHSO Team

The Arkansas Highway Safety Office (AHSO) administers federal highway funds from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration and oversees the highway safety program efforts supported by these funds for the State of Arkansas. Meet the AHSO te... Read More

Urgent Warning- Takata Airbag Recall

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Arkansas Law Enforcement Officers

As Arkansas families begin to make plans for summertime road trips and vacations, law enforcement officers are urging motorists to obey the law and buckle their seat belts. Beginning next week additional patrol assignments have been scheduled for law... Read More

2019 Click It or Ticket Press Event

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July 4th Holiday

Additional Information Contact: Highway Safety Office – Ann Whitehead (501) 618-8133 – ann.whitehead@asp.arkansas.gov June 28, 2019 (LITTLE ROCK) – Celebrating the Fourth of July typically means travel plans for Arkansans and others who will ... Read More

Obey the Sign or Pay the Fine

ADDED LAW ENFORCEMENT PRESENCE AND ASSIGNMENTS AIMED AT STOPPING SPEEDERS Additional Information Contact: Highway Safety Office – Ann Whitehead (501) 618-8133 – ann.whitehead@asp.arkansas.gov JULY 15, 2019 (LITTLE ROCK) – Arkansas law enforce... Read More

Safety Advisory

July 18, 2019 Contact: nhtsamedia@dot.gov | 202-366-9550 Safety Advisory: NHTSA urges Americans to NEVER leave children unattended in a vehicle as forecasts warn of dangerous heat wave With potentially deadly high temperatures expected to bake as m... Read More

Arkansas Part of Holiday Enforcement

Additional Information Contact: Highway Safety Office – Ann Whitehead (501) 618-8133 – ann.whitehead@asp.arkansas.gov August 15, 2019 (LITTLE ROCK) – As the Labor Day holiday period approaches, Arkansans will begin to see to see more law en... Read More

Thanksgiving Travels Near or Far

Additional Information Contact: ASP Highway Safety Office – Ann Whitehead (501) 618-8133 – ann.whitehead@asp.arkansas.gov NOVEMBER 18, 2019 The number of Thanksgiving holiday travelers will begin to grow starting this weekend as millions of A... Read More

Don't Find Yourself in Handcuffs

(LITTLE ROCK) – State and local law enforcement agencies in Arkansas will partner with the U.S. Department of Transportation, National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), this holiday season to save lives by keeping alcohol and drug impa... Read More

Click It or Ticket

(LITTLE ROCK) – As the summer season begins and families set out on their travels across Arkansas, state and local law enforcement officers are sending a clear message to motorists, Click It or Ticket. Seat belt laws are enforced to protect drivers... Read More

National Child Heatstroke Prevention

National Child Heatstroke Prevention campaign starts July 1, 2020 Heatstroke is one of the leading causes of vehicular not-in-traffic non-crash-related deaths for children under 14. In fact, each year, an average of 39 children have died from heat... Read More

June is Motorcycle Safety Awareness

June is Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month in Arkansas • Share the road with Motorcyclists. Motorcycles are vehicles with the same rights and privileges as any vehicle on the roadway. • Allow the motorcyclist a full lane width. Although it may... Read More

July 4th Arkansas Drive

KEEP YOUR FREEDOM THIS INDEPENDENCE HOLIDAY: STAY OUT OF JAIL – DRIVE SOBER OR GET PULLED OVER Additional Information Contact: Arkansas State Police – Highway Safety Office Bridget White - (501) 618-8356 - bridget.white@asp.arkansas.gov JUN... Read More

Crack Down on Speeders

(LITTLE ROCK) – Law enforcement officers across Arkansas are set to begin a week-long concerted speed enforcement plan next week. The operation will be publicized across the state using a public message headline, “Obey the Sign or Pay the Fine”... Read More

Do Your Part

Put a stop to hot car deaths Our summer routines look a little different this year, but the summer sun and high temperatures are still deadly to a child who has been left unattended or gotten trapped inside a vehicle. This year brought unique c... Read More

Intensified Seatbelt Enforcement

Additional Information Contact: Highway Safety Office – Bridget White (501) 618-8356 - bridget.white@asp.arkansas.gov NOVEMBER 13, 2020 Arkansas families have begun making their Thanksgiving holiday preparations. For many Arkansans, the plans in... Read More