Does Kentucky Have a Distracted Driving Problem?

Whether talking and texting on cell phones, eating while driving, or putting on makeup, many distracted drivers are causing serious accidents in Kentucky. Based on a new study, it's a pretty big traffic safety problem in the state.

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You see it daily. The "head bob" as I like to call it. Someone is swerving on the road, has slowed down, and isn't paying attention to the road. Why do people think it's okay to text or look at social media while driving? It's infuriating! If you are texting or engaged in cell phone conversations while driving, you could be putting those around you at risk. It isn't worth it. Based on a new study, it happens more in Kentucky than in most other states.

KENTUCKY RANKED 4TH IN THE COUNTRY

The team at WhistleOut.com recognizes that distracted driving is an epidemic all over the country. In their newly released study, Kentucky is the #4 state with the most distracted driving fatalities per 1 million people. Only New Mexico, Kansas, and Louisiana rank higher. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, there are three main types of distractions; taking your eyes off the road, taking your hands off the wheel, and taking your mind off what you’re doing. Texting is a major problem because it involves all three distractions.

STATE-BY-STATE BREAKDOWN

WhistleOut.com

KEY FINDINGS

• 3,500 people were killed by distracted driving in the last year alone
• Distracted driving fatalities account for 8.8% of all fatal motor vehicle collisions
• The most distracted age group is drivers between 25-34 years old (surprisingly, it’s not the youngest drivers ignoring the rules of the road)
• 75% of all distracted driving crashes happen with a male behind the wheel, compared to 25% with female drivers
• New Mexico has the most distracted drivers while Vermont and Alaska have the fewest distracted drivers

KENTUCKY LAW ON DISTRACTED DRIVING

House Bill 415, signed into law on April 15, 2010, bans texting for
drivers of all ages while the vehicle is in motion. For drivers 18 and
over, it allows the use of global positioning devices and reading,
selecting, or entering a telephone number or name for making a call.

MORE INFO

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