Distracted driving is one of the most common causes of traffic accidents. Unfortunately, these types of incidents are prevalent in the state of Kentucky. According to a recent study, Kentucky is listed among the worst states for distracted driving.
Distracted driving incidents can happen for various reasons, but these days, one of the primary contributors is cell phone use. For this reason, Kentucky has been trying to crack down on this issue by introducing a new distracted driving bill. Still, even if this new law passes, drivers need to remain vigilant and cautious when out on the roads.
If you or a loved one are injured by a distracted driver, the car accident attorneys at McCoy & Sparks can help. We understand how devastating the resulting injuries and damages from these kinds of accidents can be and are dedicated to providing compassionate legal services to ensure all of our clients get the compensation they deserve.
Kentucky’s Distracted Driving Law
Kentucky’s current law, House Bill 415, bans drivers of all ages from texting while driving. However, there are exceptions that police say have made it difficult to fully determine if someone was disobeying the law and charge them with distracted driving. This is why Representative James Tipton of Kentucky is attempting to introduce a new bill, House Bill 258, which will supposedly make it easier for police to crack down on distracted driving, particularly where texting and driving is concerned.
This new bill would only allow for hands-free use of cell phones and other personal electronic devices while driving. Drivers that are found to have been using or holding their phone while the vehicle is in motion will be charged with breaking the law. Exceptions will be made, however, for “single-swipe” actions for navigation apps or to answer a call.
What is Considered “Distracted Driving?”
Another issue surrounding distracted driving incidents is that it can be difficult for authorities to determine whether or not the driver was distracted after they have pulled them over. When a vehicle is in motion, it is hard to tell exactly what the driver is doing, and once they have been pulled over, they can easily claim that they weren’t doing anything wrong, and there is no easy way to prove otherwise.
Still, Kentucky follows the standards for distracted driving that are set by the NHTSA—which is that any non-driving activity that has the potential to distract a person from their primary task of driving and increases the risk of an accident is considered distracted driving. These potential distractions are split into three different categories:
- Visual: Any activity that takes your eyes off the road.
- Manual: Any activity that causes you to take your hands off of the wheel.
- Cognitive: Any activity or thoughts that cause you to take your mind off of the road and your driving.
The Latest Statistics on Texting and Driving
Numerous organizations have conducted studies on texting and driving, and they all come to the same conclusion: texting while driving is a serious issue, and it only continues to get worse. Even with hands-free capabilities, individuals continue to be distracted by their phones while on the road.
Some of the top statistics include:
- Annually, an estimated 354,415 drivers still hold their phones to their ears while driving.
- 79% of drivers use some sort of electronic personal device while driving.
- In 2020, studies showed that cell phone use while driving was highest amongst drivers 25–69 years old and lowest amongst drivers 70 and older.
- Cell phone use while driving is higher among female drivers than male drivers.
AAA:
- Despite 48 states having implemented texting bans, texting while driving continues to be a severe problem.
- 39% of drivers have willingly admitted to having read a text or email while driving, and 29% admit to having sent a text or email while driving.
- Texting doubles a person’s chances of being involved in a car accident.
CDC:
- In 2019, texting and emailing while driving was more common among older teens and students than younger teenagers.
- Every day, around eight people are killed by distracted drivers.
- Students who have admitted to texting and emailing while driving are also found to be more likely to exhibit other negligent driving behaviors.
Trust McCoy & Sparks—Premier Car Accident Attorneys in Central Kentucky
There is no denying that distracted driving is an issue in Kentucky, especially when cell phones are involved. It is our hope that this new bill being introduced will help cut down on the number of texting and driving incidents. Still, distracted driving will always likely be an issue, especially among younger drivers.
If you are involved in a distracted driving accident, our team of experienced attorneys can assist you. Recognized as one of Central Kentucky’s best law firms for over a decade, McCoy & Sparks represents thousands of clients in Central Kentucky with a focus on providing premium service and delivering superior results.
You owe us nothing unless we recover compensation for you. Make the right call to (844) 4KY-WINS for a risk-free consultation with one of our attorneys today.