Have you ever driven while talking on the phone or texting a
friend? Maybe you feel comfortable doing other things while you drive, but it’s
time to reconsider. Distracted drivers cause many of the accidents on the
nation’s roads, and cell phones are a major distraction. Even experienced
drivers are not able to drive safely while talking on the phone, and texting is
even worse, taking the driver’s eyes away from the road.
Halfway through this year, 1,200 tickets had been written in
Kentucky for texting and driving. This is much worse than last year, when
approximately 800 tickets were written for the same offense during the entire
year. Although enforcement is being increased, many people continue to use
their cell phones while driving.
Keep in mind that nearly 7,200 accidents were linked to distracted
drivers last year, and 22 people died in those crashes. The next statistic
could be you or someone you know. If someone you care about is driving while
distracted by anything, whether they are texting or looking at a map, encourage
them to pull over safely and do what they need to do.
There have been several attempts to pass tougher laws in Kentucky
to deal with distracted driving, but so far not everyone is on board. Currently,
there is a $25 fine for the first offense and a $50 fine for the second offense,
plus court costs. Kentucky has also banned the use of personal handheld
electronics for drivers under 18 years old. You might have to pay serious
prices if you drive and text.
Fortunately, there is a “TextLimit” app that you can download onto your iPhone, Android, or Blackberry
phone. The app will disable text
messaging capability while your car is in motion. All you have to do is sign up
and enter the code, “NOTEXTKY”, to get a free subscription for one year. This
technology could save many lives in Kentucky and help discourage people from texting while driving.
For more information, watch the following video from WKYT in
Lexington: http://www.wkyt.com/home/headlines/Kentucky-joins-national-texting-enforcement-movement-252531981.html?ref=981.
READERS, what do you think?
Do
you talk on your cell phone while driving? And do you text while you drive? If
not, do you know of people who do or who have had to face legal or other consequences
because of it?
What
would you say to a friend or family member who is endangering themselves or
others by texting while driving?
And would you use the
“TextLimit” app to keep you from texting while driving?
References:
Internet
Forestry. (2014, July 25). Kentucky: Distracted Driving Laws, Legislation. Hands Free Info.
Retrieved September 24, 2014, from http://handsfreeinfo.com/kentucky-cell-phone-laws-legislation/.
Smith,
S. (2014, March 26). Kentucky Joins National Texting Enforcement Movement. WKYT. Retrieved September 24, 2014, from
http://www.wkyt.com/home/headlines/Kentucky-joins-national-texting-enforcement-movement-252531981.html?ref=981.
