ASP ENCOURAGES ARKANSANS TO CONSIDER STAYING OFF HIGHWAYS IF SEVERE WEATHER ARRIVES

As Arkansans monitor forecasts calling for winter weather this weekend, Arkansas State Police (ASP) is urging motorists to consider staying home if bitter cold, rain and snow make highway travel unsafe.

For those who must drive, please remember to reduce your speed, create more distance between your vehicle and the one in front of you, and brake earlier than normal. Abiding by these rules will help everyone on the highways stay safe. If you must travel, consider packing an emergency kit filled with extra clothing, blankets, water, non-perishable food, and first aid items.

Troopers will be out in force to assist motorists in need. Use *ASP (*277) for non-emergency calls to be connected to the Troop closest to you. ASP has 12 Troop headquarters scattered across the state, each equipped and staffed with its own telecommunications dispatch center. A map illustrating Troop headquarters locations, counties each Troop patrols, and contact information can be found at: https://www.dps.arkansas.gov/law-enforcement/arkansas-state-police/divisions/highway-patrol/.

*ASP is a four-digit speed dial feature implemented in January of 2022. It is available on any AT&T, T-Mobile, or Verizon cellphone operating in Arkansas. Calls sent to *ASP should be limited to non-emergency inquiries or reports. The nationwide standard 9-1-1 remains the primary telephone number to use when law enforcement or emergency services are needed. Calls routed through the 9-1-1 network will take priority over *ASP calls.

For the latest winter weather road conditions, visit IDrive Arkansas at: https://www.idrivearkansas.com/travel_info/report?report_type=winter&show_tir_btn=1.