Agencies join forces to slow drivers down

Arkansas is joining with four neighboring states in an effort to encourage drivers to slow down.

According to a press release from Arkansas State Police, the enforcement effort follows a year in which troopers noted excessive highway speeding across the central U.S. region.

Arkansas, along with Iowa, Kansas, Missouri and Nebraska, comprise Region 7 of the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

“Each state tracked the increase of excessive speeding in different ways, but every method told the same story: A year that felt incredibly long was also the fastest on the roads in recent memory,” said ASP Director and Col. Bill Bryant.

The ASP, Iowa State Patrol, Kansas Highway Patrol, Missouri State Highway Patrol and Nebraska State Patrol all report a substantial increase in speeding violations that began to occur coinciding with the Covid-19 pandemic, officials said the press release.

“We communicate regularly with our law enforcement partners in neighboring states, and the increase in excessive speeding has been a common theme in those conversations over the last year,” said Colonel John Bolduc, superintendent of the Nebraska State Patrol. “NSP is proud to partner with these

(Continued from Page 1) neighboring states in reminding motorists of the dangers of excessive speeding and the need for us to all work together to make our states safe.”

“With every mile per hour over the speed limit, the reaction time a driver has to avoid a crash is reduced even faster, and with excess speed comes a greater risk of serious or fatal injuries,” said

Bryant. “Driving 10 miles per hour or more over the posted speed limit won’t get anyone to their destination that must faster, but it will increase the odds of a crash or a speeding ticket.”

Over the past year, Arkansas State Police reported an 89% increase in speeding violations, which is second highest in Region 7. Iowa State Patrol reported an increase of 108%, Kansas Highway Patrol, 60%; Missouri State Highway Patrol, 82% and Nebraska State Patrol 70%.

As the winter months give way to more favorable driving conditions and busiest travel seasons, each agency is asking all motorists to do their part to keep the roads safe.

“Obey the posted speed limits, eliminate distractions, never drive impaired, and always buckle up,” said Bryant.

Troopers in each state will continue to patrol day and night to enforce traffic safety laws and assist any motorists, according to the press release.