Kentucky participated again in the second national texting enforcement crackdown – U Drive. U Text. U Pay. This is in conjunction with National Distracted Driving Awareness Month, which is observed every April. Kentucky Office of Highway Safety Executive Director Bill Bell said that their office is distributing federal overtime funds to select agencies throughout the state to strictly enforce the anti-texting law. Likewise, Kentucky Transportation Secretary Mike Hancock stated that the government is serious about stopping distracted driving, so all drivers must know that if they are texting while driving, they will be stopped and fined.
Related: Let’s Make A Move Against Texting And Driving
I am glad that our law enforcement agencies are consistent with their efforts to persuade Kentucky motorists to put down their phones while driving. Since it’s National Distracted Driving Awareness Month, I encourage all Kentucky drivers to participate. Let’s help put an end to distracted driving.
Statistics
- In 2014, Kentucky had 53,500 distracted driving-related crashes resulting in over 14,000 injuries and 169 fatalities.
- In 2013, Kentucky had 52,500 distracted driving-related crashes resulting in over 9,000 injuries and 163 fatalities.
- Since Kentucky’s anti-texting law took effect in January 2011, no driver has been cited in 26 of the state’s 120 counties.
- In 2010, America had 3,267 distracted driving-related fatalities.
Teen deaths in distracted driving-related crashes climb
More teenagers die in distracted driving-related crashes according to the latest report by the AAA Foundation. The report found that the crash rate for teens 16 to 19-years-old was four times higher than for adults. Moreover, it was revealed that speeding was a factor in 37% of crashes involving teen drivers.
Related: AAA Study: Distractions, Serious Problem Among Teen Drivers
As a Kentucky Accident Attorney, I am alarmed with the findings of the AAA report. This report also showed that 82% of our nation’s teens age 16 to 17-years-old have a cell phone and 34% of them admitted to talking on their cell phone while driving. This is a great opportunity for law enforcement agencies and parents to educate our teen drivers of the rules of the road. Let us be good role models for them and set a good example. As for our teenage drivers, I would like to urge all of you to fully commit to becoming responsible adults and good drivers. Always remember that texting and driving don’t mix. So, please don’t text while driving. It can wait. Take the pledge to not text and drive and save lives.