Despite states passing laws to crack down on distracted driving, such as texting while driving bans, distracted driving remains one of the most common causes of car accidents.
In 2021, over 3,500 people were killed in accidents caused by distracted driving. Additionally, the Kentucky Department of Transportation released a report for 2020 that showed over 35,000 accidents being the result of driver inattention, 125 of which were fatal.
If you or a loved one are the victim of a distracted driving accident in Kentucky, our team of attorneys can help. At McCoy & Sparks, we know how devastating the aftermath of an accident can be and are dedicated to helping our clients win their cases so they can move on with their lives as quickly and easily as possible.
What is Considered Distracted Driving?
The NHTSA officially defines distracted driving as “any activity that diverts attention from driving or anything that takes your attention away from the task of safe driving.”
To make it more clear, distractions are broken down into three categories:
- Visual: Any activity that takes your eyes off the road
- Manual: Any activity that takes your hands off the wheel
- Cognitive: Any activity that takes your mind off the task of driving
What are Distractions While Driving?
Based on the definitions above, any number of things could cause a person to become distracted while driving. Today, however, one of the most common causes of distracted driving is texting or cell phone use while driving.
According to the NHTSA Crashstats report, 79% of drivers use a cell phone while driving, and over 350,000 drivers still hold their phones to their ears while driving.
Though cell phones are the primary cause of texting and driving accidents today, many other kinds of distractions can lead to an accident, some of which include:
- Eating and drinking
- Adjusting or paying attention to a GPS
- Talking to passengers
- Grooming in the mirror
- Dealing with children or pets in the car
- Reaching for an object on the floor or another seat
- Daydreaming or “zoning out”
- Adjusting music controls
What are Kentucky’s Laws Against Distracted Driving?
While Kentucky has no general laws concerning distracted driving, it does have laws against using cell phones or other personal electronic devices while driving. House Bill 415 was passed in 2010, and it bans texting while driving for all drivers operating a vehicle in motion.
Drivers over the age of 18, however, are permitted to use their phones or devices for GPS purposes and for looking up a name or phone number to make a call.
For drivers under 18, no use of a cell phone or personal communication device is allowed while the vehicle is in motion. Using GPS is allowed, but typing in an address is only permitted while the vehicle is stopped.
Penalties for violating these offenses in Kentucky include:
- A $25 fine for a first offense
- $50 fine for a second offense
- Three points added to your driver’s license
However, if the violation leads to an accident that causes death or serious injury to another person, the charges will likely be more severe, depending on the circumstances.
How to Reduce Distraction While Driving
Generally speaking, the best way to avoid distracted driving accidents is to stay alert and pay attention. Unfortunately, most people understand this, and yet they still tend to get distracted while operating a vehicle.
To help provide a more clear guide, AAA offers these helpful tips on how to manage distraction while driving:
- Actively scan the road regularly and especially keep an eye out for pedestrians and cyclists.
- Store loose items and other objects that might roll around and cause a distraction so you are not tempted to reach for them.
- Adjust or use mirrors, the radio, climate controls, and GPS while the vehicle is not in motion.
- Give yourself more time to finish personal grooming at home before getting into your car.
- Avoid eating while driving if possible. If you must eat, opt for foods that are easier to handle and won’t cause a mess.
- Make sure pets and children are fully secure before traveling. If they need your attention, pull over to a safe area before addressing their needs.
- Put your cell phone and any other devices that may cause distraction somewhere you cannot see or reach for them while driving.
- If your passengers are distracting you, let them know that you need to focus on the road so you don’t cause an accident.
Trust McCoy & Sparks—Premier Car Accident Attorneys in Central Kentucky
If you are injured in a distracted driving accident, the Kentucky car accident lawyers at McCoy & Sparks can help. Recognized as one of Central Kentucky’s best law firms for over a decade, we represent 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.