Distracted Driving Needs to Be Curtailed for Safer Kentucky Highways

Driver distractions have joined alcohol and speeding as leading factors in fatal and serious injury car accidents, according to the National Safety Council (NSC). In a recent study, the NSC also found that every 26 seconds an accident occurs as the result of texting or cell phone use. With more sophisticated technology readily available, many drivers find the urge to stay connected with friends and family at all times — even if it means taking their hands off the wheel and their eyes off the road to send a text message.

Kentucky has taken steps to address this dangerous driving habit. In a law that just took effect in January, Kentucky drivers face fines and court costs for texting while driving. Currently, texting is prohibited for all drivers while the vehicle is in motion, and the use of any personal communications devices by drivers under 18 is banned. In addition, school bus operators are prohibited from unofficial use of cell phones while transporting children. The law is a primary offense, which means drivers can be pulled over for the violation.

The legal staff of the Frank Jenkins Law Office knows that car accidents can wreak havoc on your life. We strongly encourage drivers in Lexington, and throughout the state of Kentucky, to heed the anti-texting law and to limit all distractions while you are driving.

At the national level, lawmakers and federal agencies have begun to raise awareness of the dangers of texting and talking on cell phones while driving. Most recently, a national pilot program run by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) found that by increasing police enforcement as well as news media and advertising coverage to curtail distracted driving, jurisdictions were able to “significantly reduce dangerous texting and cell phone use behind the wheel.”

Nationwide, distractions are estimated to be associated with 15 to 25 percent of vehicle crashes at all levels, from minor property damage to fatal injuries. The NHTSA reports that in 2009 nearly 5,500 fatalities and close to 500,000 injuries resulted from crashes involving a distracted driver.

In Kentucky in 2009, 200 fatalities on our roads and highways were blamed on distracted driving. The total number of accidents associated with distracted drivers was over 57,000.

Contact the Frank Jenkins Law Office Today

The Kentucky car accident attorneys at Frank Jenkins Law in Lexington understand if you’ve been hurt in a car accident, medical treatment is often your primary concern – but paying for your medical bills soon becomes a priority. When your injuries were caused by a distracted driver, you shouldn’t have to worry about the bills for the medical care that you need. It’s our job to fight for your rights so that you can concentrate on your health and family while we deal with the insurers and those responsible for your injuries.

We can help you and your family following a Kentucky car accident. Call our injury lawyers today at 859-389-9344 or contact us via email. You can also contact us online for a FREE CONSULTATION.