There is a new billboard campaign that has been launched by the National Safety Council called “Death by Cell Phone.” The campaign has been launched in 67 markets nationwide. I have yet to see one in the Louisville area. If you know of one post a comment and let me know where it is. Jennifer Smith, who is the daughter of a victim that was tragically killed by a driver using a cell phone, coined the phrase in describing the tragic death of her mother.

            Cell phone usage while driving was addressed by Kentucky in 2009, but did not make it out of committee. Nationwide it is reported that 81% of cell phone owners use their phone while driving. There is little doubt that the use of cell phones distracts drivers and is the primary cause of tragic auto accidents on Kentucky roads.

I have represented accident victims who have been injured by teenagers texting while driving that some how ignored a red light. Today I was conferencing a case where the driver of a motorcycle was apparently using his cell phone when he some how didn’t see the stopped car at a traffic light and slammed into the car at 50 mph.  Tragically, he was not wearing a helmet and is believed to have died in this motorcycle accident. I still can’t believe the driver had his cell phone out while going 50 mph. I take my cell phone while I am riding my bicycle, but the only time I am on it is when I am off my bike and on the side of the road in a safe place.

            Many states have already banned the use of cell phones in motor vehicles in some form or another. Now Australia looks to be jumping on the band wagon in banning all cell phone use in cars, including hands free devices. As a parent I do not allow my daughter to use a cell phone while driving unless a blue tooth is in use. 

We need to pay attention to the pleas of Jennifer Smith, whose mother was killed by a cell phone user. Everyone should listen to David Teater, whose son was killed by a cell phone user. Let’s pay attention to what has happened to these accident victims.

One study links cell phone use as a factor in 6% of all motor vehicle accidents. According to this estimate cell phones result in 2,600 deaths each year. All because we couldn’t wait to text or make a call. This is senseless. It’s not just cell phones, but they are in my opinion the most dangerous. Americans are distracted by the radio or CD, the cup of coffee, polishing nails or putting on make up, or even reading the paper. The time has come to limit the use of cell phones while driving a car in Kentucky. We should follow the lead and help prevent any further needless deaths by cell phone.