It’s not difficult to understand how driving when you’re distracted can lead to disastrous consequences. Whether you are talking on the phone, texting, or looking at traffic updates on your mobile device, it is possible that this activity could lead to a car accident. In Kentucky, it is illegal for drivers to text while they are behind the wheel, and any other form of distraction can lead up to 6 points on your driver’s license.
Five years ago, Bethany Couldstone totaled her vehicle because she was texting her boyfriend at the time. Last month, she shared the story of her distracted driving accident and the lasting effects it has had over the years.
She was hospitalized for several weeks. In addition, she’s had to endure substantial financial effects, as well as ongoing physical ailments.
The Kentucky Distracted Driving Laws
The following laws are in place to maintain the safety of Kentucky citizens. Despite these laws, there were 725 fatal traffic accidents in 2021 alone.
- It is unlawful for drivers under 18 to use a hand-held mobile telephone or similar device, including but not limited to any voice-operated or dual-function device, while operating a motor vehicle on any public road or highway.
- It is unlawful for persons (under age of 18) to read from a hand-held reading device (i.e., book, magazine, paper) while operating a motor vehicle on any public road or highway.
- It is unlawful for persons to engage in hand-held electronic device activity (i.e., sending a text message, emailing, or surfing the web) while operating a motor vehicle on any public road or highway, including the use of a hand-held electronic device for navigation purposes.
- It is unlawful for drivers under the age of 18 to view, compose or send an electronic text message while operating a motor vehicle on any public road or highway.
- It is unlawful for persons to engage in hand-held electronic device activity (i.e., texting, emailing, or surfing the web) while operating a school bus on any public road or highway, including the use of a hand-held electronic device (cell phone) for navigation purposes.
Penalties for Breaking The Laws
Violators for distracted driving can face the following penalties:
- If a person is convicted of violating the provisions related to hand-held mobile telephones while operating a motor vehicle on any public road or highway, and it is determined beyond a reasonable doubt that the violation contributed to the commission of an accident, then said person shall be assessed a fine of not more than $100. The penalty for this offense will be doubled if convicted within 5 years of a previous distracted driving violation.
- If a person is convicted of violating the provisions related to hand-held electronic device activity (i.e., texting, emailing, or surfing the web) while operating a motor vehicle on any public road or highway and it is determined beyond a reasonable doubt that the violation contributed to the commission of an accident, then said person shall be assessed a fine of not more than $100.
- If a person is convicted of violating the provisions related to hand-held reading devices (i.e., book, magazine, paper) while operating a motor vehicle on any public road or highway, and it is determined beyond a reasonable doubt that the violation contributed to the commission of an accident, then said person shall be assessed a fine of not more than $100.
- If a person is convicted of violating the provisions related to viewing, composing, sending, or engaging in hand-held electronic device activity (i.e., texting, emailing, or surfing the web) while operating a motor vehicle on any public road or highway and it is determined beyond a reasonable doubt that the violation contributed to the commission of an accident, then said person shall be assessed a fine of not more than $100.
- If a person is convicted of violating the provisions related to engaging in hand-held electronic device activity (i.e., texting, emailing, or surfing the web) while operating a school bus on any public road or highway and it is determined beyond a reasonable doubt that the violation contributed to the commission of an accident, then said person shall be assessed a fine of not more than $100.
Effects of distracted driving
Kentucky banned the use of hand-held electronic devices while driving a car back in 2010, after research had shown that they were contributing to distracted driving crashes. In 2010 there were three fatal accidents caused by phone use while driving – even though it was illegal.
Distracted driving can cause a collision, leading to injuries and fatalities, and cause an increase in insurance premium from the insurance company. It’s vital that drivers are aware of what they’re doing behind the wheel so that they don’t cause an accident or put other people’s lives at risk.
Distracted driving can also lead to serious and increases the risk of injuries or fatalities for those in a crash, as the crashes themselves often lead to additional personal injuries from flying debris.
Distraction.gov mentions that distracted driving causes 24 deaths per day in the US. If you’ve been injured by a distracted driver, you may be entitled to compensation. If you have lost a loved one in a crash caused by another driver’s distraction, you have the right to pursue legal action against the liable party and seek compensation for your losses.
In addition to all of that, distracted driving can lead to other traffic violations – doing anything else besides paying attention to your driving is illegal in most cases. Even so, the use of hands free devices is recommended.
The Latest Updates to the Distracted Driving Laws in Kentucky
- As of January 2017, all drivers are now prohibited from using a mobile device to view or post to social media while driving (passengers can still do this).
- As of January 2017, the fine for distracted driving violations has been raised by $50 (to $150), and there is a higher fine for repeat offenders.
- Since 2014, all drivers are required to wear their seat belts when riding in a motor vehicle.
Final Thoughts
There have been no distracted driving law updates since 2017. Perhaps that’s why there has been criticism of Kentucky’s laws being lax. Perhaps creating harsher penalties would decrease the instances of accidents and fatalities.