Texting law goes into effect, warnings issued
Drivers in Adair County can now expect law enforcement to pull them over if they are texting while driving.
A state law banning texting and driving is now in effect as of last Thursday.
All ages are banned from texting while driving. The law bans the use of all communication devices for drivers under 18, which includes the use of cell phones and pagers. They can input data on a global positioning system only when the vehicle is not in motion. Kentucky is now one of 28 states that prohibit cell phone use of novice drivers.
“I think it’s a good law,” said Adair County Sheriff Ralph Curry. “I don’t think you should be texting while driving on the road.”
Texting is only allowed in circumstances of reporting illegal activity and requesting emergency aid such as an ambulance. One of the goals of the law is to decrease the amount of traffic accidents.
People who text and drive are 23 times more likely to crash or experience a near crash event, according to the Virginia Tech Transportation Institute. The new state law is designed to help prevent such accidents and help drivers focus more on their driving.
“The idea is to save lives,” said Lt. David Jude, commander for media relations for the highway safety branch for the Kentucky State Police.
People driving and texting will receive a warning up until Jan. 1, 2011. After this date, the first offense of the law will invoke a $25 fine. All subsequent offenses will cost a $50 fine.
The law bans texting for all ages, but drivers over 18 can use some communication devices. Drivers over 18 can use a global positioning device and can read, select or input numbers on their cell phone to make a call. Texting is only permitted for reporting criminal activity or requesting emergency aid. Emergency personnel are exempt from the ban if the use is essential to the personnel’s job.
Gov. Steve Beshear prohibited state employees who drive government vehicles from texting while driving with his Eyes on the Road executive order in December of 2009. This past April Beshear signed the law banning texting for all drivers and the use of cell phones for drivers under 18.
“I was proud to support and sign this law into effect, and strongly believe this will further our efforts to reduce fatalities on Kentucky roadways,” said Beshear.
Kentucky State Police hope the law helps drivers focus on driving rather than their phones.
“The intent is to get people to put their focus back on the roadway,” said Lt. Jude.
By Dean Childers
Voice Intern
