Despite an existing law that levels a fine if you're caught texting while driving, I still see it happening with about the same frequency as I did before the law was enacted.

In Tennessee, you can't even TOUCH your phone while you're driving.

Now, there's a bill that's been proposed in the Kentucky House that would prevent cellphone usage not only while driving, but also while a motorist is temporarily stopped in traffic.

Yep, no more "I'll check my messages at this red light."

The "Phone-Down Kentucky Act" comes nine years after the texting-while-driving law was passed and, according to the Louisville Courier-Journal, is a doubling-down, of sorts, on that 2011 Kentucky law.

Legislators have come to the realization that, while the texting ban is vitally necessary, it is difficult to enforce. Getting a good enough look into a moving vehicle isn't the easiest thing in the world to do.

HB 255 doesn't stop at just preventing making phone calls. As one might expect, drivers would be prohibited from watching, recording, or broadcasting videos while behind the wheel.

That kind of goes without saying, but it SHOULDN'T go without saying in a proposed law.

Permissible actions with regards to phone usage while driving would include checking your navigational data and calling to request emergency assistance.

Use of hands-free and voice-operated technology would still be allowed.

If the law is passed, anywhere from $50 to $100 fines would be assessed for violations beginning October 1st, 2020.

 

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