The Tell-Tale Signs and Consequences of Distracted Driving
The laws and penalties for driving while texting and drowsy driving in Arkansas
on July 24, 2017
Updated on January 19, 2023
Eating, fiddling with the stereo or GPS, putting on makeup, and using a cell phone while driving are all considered forms of distracted driving by the National Highway Safety Administration. It’s essentially anything that takes one’s attention from the road. The NHSA reports that in 2015, 391,000 injuries and nearly 3,500 deaths due to car accidents in the U.S. that involved distracted drivers. In an effort to curb these behaviors and increase safety for all on the road, most states have enacted distracted driving laws and are stepping up enforcement.
Texting While Driving
It has been estimated that reading or sending a text takes one’s eyes off the road for five seconds. At 55 miles per hour, that’s the equivalent of driving the length of a football field with your eyes closed. In response, 14 states have banned all hand-held cell phone use by drivers. In 2009, Arkansas enacted “Paul’s Law,” banning texting and driving on Arkansas roads. The law was named for a father of three who was killed by a driver sending a text message. In addition, drivers over 18 but under 21 years of age may not use hand-held phones, and those under 18 and school bus drivers may not use cell phones at all while driving, except in an emergency. Further, use of hand-held cell phones is prohibited in school and highway work zones.

Sleep-Deprived Driving
- Difficulty focusing
- Heavy eyelids, frequent yawning
- Drifting from your lane
- Memory lapses, missed road signs or exits
- Feeling restless or irritable
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