Arkansas Officials launch new initiative to increase road safety

Arkansas traffic officials have launched the High Five Rural Traffic Safety Program, an initiative to help increase road safety in more rural parts of the state.

The 12-month program is a public safety initiative aimed at increasing seat belt use and decreasing serious crashes. According to Arkansas State Police, the program will focus on some key areas, including education, enforcement, and engineering to encourage residents to buckle up when driving.

The participating counties include Calhoun, Cross, Fulton, Monroe, and White County.

Program officials said during every traffic stop in the listed counties, officers will take the opportunity to reinforce the importance of seatbelt safety. Officers will also have High Five presentations at high schools and an active social media presence.

“Nobody enjoys being pulled over by a law enforcement officer,” said state police director Col. Bill Bryant. “But throughout the High Five initiative, every traffic stop will be an opportunity for law enforcement to educate and interact with members of their communities.”

The initiative is a partnership between the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, Arkansas Highway Safety Office, Arkansas Department of Transportation (ArDOT), and Arkansas State Police.

ArDOT officials are set to work with county officials to identify and solve road safety problems with help from Federal Highway Administration.