DISTRACTED DRIVING ACCIDENTS

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You have probably witnessed it an innumerable amount of times while driving – someone behind the wheel is looking down at a cell phone instead of focusing on the road ahead, causing them to miss lights, drive erratically, or neglect to use blinkers when changing lanes. Distracted drivers are everywhere and accidents involving this type of reckless behavior have increased in recent years. Cell phones are not the only distractions luring away the eyes of drivers, however. There are many forms of distracted driving that, unfortunately, too many drivers engage in, putting the safety of others at risk.

Types of Distracted Driving

According to Distraction.gov, at any given moment, there are approximately 660,000 people talking, texting, or using some type of electronic device while driving in the United States. Other forms of distracted driving might surprise you.

  • Eating or drinking
  • Using a GPS Navigation or reading a map
  • Applying make-up or grooming
  • Reaching for an object that removes your eyes from the road
  • Smoking
  • Adjusting the radio, air conditioning, or other accessories
  • Talking to passengers
These are some of the most common forms of distracted driving, but generally any activity that takes a driver’s attention away from the road is considered distracted driving.

Distracted Driving Laws in Kentucky

Kentucky defines distracted driving as any activity that diverts a driver’s attention from operating a vehicle, and recognizes texting as one of the biggest and most dangerous distractions on the road. In fact, it is illegal for drivers under the age of 18 to use a cell phone while operating a motor vehicle, which also includes the use of hands free devices. It is illegal for drivers of any age to text, read, or write an email while a vehicle is in motion.
Fines for violating these laws include:

  • $25 for a first offense
  • Three points on your driver’s license
  • $50 for a second offense, plus court fees
  • Individuals under the age of 18 must wait 180 days to apply for a regular license
Quickly checking your phone’s messages or sending a one-sentence text might seem like a harmless offense, but driving while using a phone reduces your brain activity by 37%. If it absolutely cannot wait, it is best to pull over to a safe area to address any urgent matters. Otherwise, you risk endangering your life and the lives of others.

Louisville Car Accident Attorneys

The Louisville car accident lawyers at Bahel Cook Cantley & Nefzger PLC have represented thousands of people injured in a wide range of motor vehicle accidents, including those involving distracted driving. If you have been injured by a distracted driver, you need an experienced attorney at your side to help you receive the compensation you need to recover physically, financially, and emotionally. Call us today at (502) 587-2002 for a free consultation.