Jonesboro, AR – Contributed – To help keep Arkansas students, families and communities safe as the new school year begins, the Arkansas State Police Highway Safety Office is conducting the “Extreme Safety” campaign from Aug. 10-16.

The campaign encourages motorists, pedestrians and cyclists to practice safe behaviors during the busy back-to-school season when more children are walking and biking.

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According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), 73 pedestrians and pedalcyclists were killed on Arkansas roadways in 2024. Also in 2024, the state recorded 178 serious pedestrian injuries and 50 serious pedalcyclist injuries. Of the 603 total traffic fatalities in Arkansas, these vulnerable road users accounted for 12 percent.

“Back-to-school means more children walking to bus stops, more families crossing streets and more bicycles on our roads,” said Arkansas Public Safety Secretary Col. Mike Hagar. “Every driver has a responsibility to slow down, eliminate distractions and stay alert, especially in school zones and residential neighborhoods. By working together, we can help ensure every student arrives safely to school and returns home safely each day.”

The “Extreme Safety” campaign highlights simple life-saving actions for everyone on the road:

  • Drivers: obey posted speeds, put the phone down, stop for pedestrians in crosswalks and expect foot and bike traffic in school zones and neighborhoods.
  • Cyclists: wear a helmet, check the bike before riding, use lights and reflective gear after dark and follow traffic laws.
  • Pedestrians: use sidewalks, cross at marked crossings, make eye contact with drivers before stepping off the curb and stay aware of your surroundings.

Whether driving, walking or biking, every trip to and from school should begin and end safely. For more information on bicycle safety, click here or here for pedestrian safety information. Alternatively, call the Arkansas Highway Safety Office at (501) 618-8136.

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