Kentucky law prohibits drivers from operating a handheld electronic device to send or read digital messages while behind the wheel. Texting while driving significantly increases the risk of car accidents. Studies show that using handheld devices while driving has soared 82 percent over the past decade.
The dangers of texting while driving are evident in the alarming rate of distracted driving accidents and crash fatalities. Nationwide, there were 368 fatal car accidents involving cell phone use in a recent year, according to a National Safety Council analysis. This is part of a concerning trend, with the overall rate of distraction-related fatal crashes climbing 4 percent since 2013.
Distracted drivers who text while driving pose a significant accident risk to themselves and other road users in Kentucky. Recent state-level data indicate cell phone use contributed to 955 Kentucky car accidents in 2022. Tragically, two of these incidents resulted in fatalities. The texting and driving statistics highlight the urgent need for drivers to focus solely on the road and avoid texting while driving.
If you or someone close to you has suffered injuries in a Kentucky texting-while-driving accident, contact Morgan, Collins, Yeast & Salyer now to explore your legal options in a free case evaluation. A texting-while-driving accident lawyer will listen to your story, answer your questions, and discuss the steps available to seek the compensation you need.
Why Texting While Driving Is So Dangerous?
Driving is a complex task that demands each driver’s attention. Distractions such as talking on the phone or texting endanger drivers, passengers, pedestrians, and other road users. Driving distractions are categorized into three main types: visual, manual, and cognitive.
Each type can affect a driver’s ability to operate their vehicle safely in different ways:
- Visual distractions cause drivers to take their eyes off the road. This category includes activities such as looking at navigation systems, watching videos, and glancing at text messages. When drivers look away from the road, even for a few seconds, they lose the ability to react to unexpected changes in road conditions or the actions of other drivers.
- Manual distractions involve drivers taking their hands off the steering wheel. Examples include eating, adjusting the radio, or typing text messages on cell phones. These activities make it difficult for drivers to maintain control over their vehicles and respond quickly to urgent situations, such as the need to swerve or brake suddenly to avoid a car crash.
- Cognitive distractions occur when drivers lose mental focus on the task of driving. This can happen when a driver is engaged in an absorbing conversation, either with passengers or while texting and driving. A distracted driver is a dangerous driver.
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration emphasizes that texting while driving is the most common and dangerous distraction for drivers. On average, sending or reading a text requires you to take your eyes off the road for about five seconds. If you’re traveling at 55 miles per hour, that’s equivalent to driving the length of a football field with your eyes closed.
Texting while driving is particularly hazardous because it combines visual, manual, and cognitive distractions. When you text while driving, you look away from the road (visual), your hands are off the steering wheel (manual), and your concentration is not on driving (cognitive).
Engaging in any task that involves your phone while driving, including texting, talking, or using social media, substantially increases your risk of an accident.
The Devastating Consequences of Texting While Driving Accidents
The moment a driver decides to read or send a text message, the driver risks causing an accident that can have devastating consequences for everyone nearby. Crashes involving distracted driving often cause severe injuries or fatalities. Crash victims might suffer traumatic brain injuries, paralysis, or limb loss, profoundly altering their lives and livelihoods.
These tragedies can also have ripple effects for families that can linger long after the accident. Families might face sudden, overwhelming emotional and financial burdens. The loss of a loved one or the need for long-term care for the injured can plunge families into grief and financial uncertainty.
Legal Ramifications of Texting While Driving
Kentucky law bans all drivers from texting while driving and prohibits teen drivers under 18 from using cell phones in any capacity while behind the wheel. Violations can result in significant legal penalties, including fines and points on your driver’s license. Getting caught texting while driving can result in fines that escalate with repeated offenses and demerit points that can accumulate, leading to license suspensions.
Drivers involved in serious accidents while texting can face criminal charges for reckless driving. Convictions can result in harsher penalties, including higher fines, longer license suspensions, and even jail time, depending on the severity of the incident.
Beyond criminal penalties, drivers who text and cause accidents bear civil liability. They may be held financially responsible for any injuries or property damage that result from accidents they cause. Accident victims may pursue compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering.
The long-term financial impact of texting while driving can also be severe. Insurance premiums increase after such incidents, especially involving reckless driving charges. Additionally, accumulating license points or having a reckless driving conviction can jeopardize job opportunities, particularly for jobs requiring a clean driving record. These potential consequences highlight the importance of adhering to driving laws and always focusing on the road.
Texting Isn’t Worth Your Life
Texting while driving in Kentucky is a dangerous habit that puts your life and the lives of others at risk. Fortunately, there are safer alternatives and preventive measures you can adopt to avoid this risky behavior.
Alternatives and Prevention
One way to minimize the risk is to use hands-free technology to talk on a phone while driving. This allows you to keep your hands on the wheel and your eyes on the road. It’s important to remember that any phone use while driving can still be distracting. Ideally, you should use this technology only when absolutely necessary.
Several phone apps exist that can prevent texting while driving by blocking the ability to send or receive messages while your vehicle is moving. These tools are useful for keeping you focused on the road and reducing the temptation to look at your phone.
You might also consider making a personal commitment. Make a pledge to yourself not to text and drive, and encourage your friends and family to do the same. By taking these simple steps, you can create a safer environment for yourself and everyone else on the road.
Do You Need Help After a Texting While Driving Accident?
If you are injured in a driver distraction accident, you need effective legal representation. A knowledgeable texting-while-driving accident lawyer can protect your rights throughout the legal process and handle every aspect of your case while you recover.
If you suffered injuries in the accident, you may hold the texting driver financially accountable for your medical bills and the expenses incurred due to the accident. Your attorney can demand fair compensation for your medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering.
Contact the personal injury attorneys at Morgan, Collins, Yeast & Salyer if another driver’s careless behavior has injured you. Our attorneys are honored to help injured Kentuckians demand justice after serious accidents. Our attorneys are known for the Kentucky Courage they display when standing up to big insurance companies on behalf of injured people. Our law firm fights for injured people in Kentucky and has the resources to handle the most complex cases.
Our Testimonials Speak for Themselves
The Morgan, Collins, Yeast & Salyer legal team has recovered millions of dollars in injury and accident settlements for deserving clients throughout Kentucky. The following testimonials offer a glimpse into the personal stories and victories of those we have represented:
“After being hit by a drunk driver, I found myself in a stressful legal battle. Thankfully, with this law firm, I had a top-notch lawyer that did the fighting for me.” – Rosy W.
“I had a wonderful experience with this firm. I was injured in a car wreck, and they made the process as easy and seamless as it could be. I cannot recommend a firm more highly. I was awarded the full settlement without having to step foot in a courtroom.” – Bettina H.
“Morgan, Collins, Yeast, and Salyer took on my accident case and stayed with it to the end. They kept me in the loop all the way. I am very happy with the outcome and will recommend them highly. I hope I never need another personal injury lawyer again, but if I do, Morgan, Collins, Yeast, and Salyer are the ones for me.” – Ron M.
All Testimonials We Are Proud Of
Call A Car Accident Attorney Today
If you’ve been in a texting-while-driving accident in Kentucky, don’t face the aftermath alone. Seek experienced legal guidance from attorneys who handle crashes involving distracted drivers texting and driving. Contact Morgan, Collins, Yeast & Salyer today to arrange your free case consultation. Our team is ready to fight for the justice and compensation you deserve.
