Pryor, Lincoln, Berry, Snyder, Ross Announce $507K to Prevent Drunk Driving, Promote Traffic Safety

Press Release

U.S. Senators Mark Pryor and Blanche Lincoln and U.S. Representatives Marion Berry (AR-01), Vic Snyder (AR-02) and Mike Ross (AR-04) today announced that the Arkansas State Police will receive a $507,971 U.S. Department of Transportation grant to continue statewide traffic safety programs in Arkansas.

Funds will be used to support programs that enforce drunk driving, speeding and seat belt laws, and promote traffic safety through education programs and advertising campaigns. These resources will be distributed to police departments throughout Arkansas to promote and enforce traffic safety.

"This funding will help law enforcement officers throughout Arkansas prevent drunk driving and keep our roads safe for motorists," Lincoln said. "This assistance is especially important while local budgets are tight during these tough economic times, and I will continue working to ensure we have the resources we need to stay safe and strong."

"Drunk and unsafe driving ruin lives and tear apart families," Pryor said. "This grant will help the Arkansas State Police enforce the laws, educate the public, and keep our roads safe."

"Giving our police departments the resources they need to effectively keep motorists safe benefits everyone," Berry said. "The more people we educate about the dangers of driving drunk, while texting, speeding, or not wearing a seatbelt, the more lives we save."

"Nearly 30 percent of all fatalities on Arkansas's roads are a result of impaired drivers," Ross said. "I'm pleased to help announce this funding which will provide the resources to help local law enforcement get drunk drivers off of our roads and keep our families safe."

"With approximately 600 motor vehicle crash fatalities in Arkansas annually, these funds will continue to provide valuable resources to the State to use in addressing our highway safety issues," said Bridget White, Arkansas State Police Highway Safety Office Administrator. "Our goal is to continue implementation of proven programs that provide enforcement of our drunken driving, speed limit and seat belt laws and promote traffic safety through education and advertising. These countermeasures save lives and prevent injuries on our roadways."