Who do you think are the safest drivers on the road:  Seniors or teens?  Let’s compare the motor vehicle accidents and fatalities statistics of senior and teen drivers from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) for the year 2009.  About 5,288 people age 65 and older were killed and 187, 000 were injured in traffic crashes during that year.  They made up 16% of all traffic fatalities and 8% of all people injured in traffic crashes.  Young drivers, ages 16-to 19,-years old have the highest average annual crash rate of any other age group.  Around eight teens died each day from motor vehicle injuries.  Per mile driven, teens are four times more likely than older drivers to crash.  In fact, traffic crashes are the leading cause of death for teenagers in America!

Many teenage behaviors contribute to teen-related crashes.  We can point to inexperience and immaturity as causes speeding, drinking and driving, not wearing seat belts, distracted driving (cell phone use, loud music, other teen passengers, etc.), drowsy driving, nighttime driving, and using prohibited drugs and we have serious car crashes.  But, we do all know that teen motor vehicle crashes are preventable if all teens will be more aware and educated on the road rules and will follow proven strategies to improve their safety on the road.

Ageing does not necessarily mean that a person’s driving days are over.  In fact, they are among the safest drivers on the road, as they generally do not speed or take risks, and they are more likely to wear seatbelts.  The ability of older people to drive safely does diminish as their vision and hearing senses decrease.  Other factors are poor judgment in making left-hand turns; drifting within the traffic lane; and decreased ability to change behavior in response to an unexpected or rapidly changing situation.

I think it is very important to plan ahead and take steps to ensure the safety of your loved ones on the road.  I believe that at age 70, Kentucky should require us to take a driving test to determine if we are still safe behind the wheel.  Options such as restricted driving license should also be available.  These steps will save lives and prevent serious injury car wrecks.

            Governor Steve Beshear signed the Cell Phone Text Messaging Bill into law in Kentucky on April 25, 2010. It is about time. I hope this bill will have its intended impact and prevent serious automobile accidents caused by inattentive or distracted drivers. 

Under the new law, any driver under the age of 18 is prohibited from using a cell phone in any manner while driving.  This applies to an instruction permit, intermediate license or a full operator’s license.  There is one and only one exception to this.  That is to summon medical help, law enforcement or a public safety agency in the case of an emergency. 

            There are also provisions that relate to ALL drivers. Anyone who is operating a motor vehicle cannot write, send or read a text-based communication such as text message, instant message or electronic mail while operating a motor vehicle.  My understanding is that there will be warnings issued on violations until January 1, 2011. 

The fine for a first offense is a mere $25.00. Second offenders on up are fined $50.00 plus court costs. These fines appear to be a mere slap on the wrist. What if a bicycle accident victim is seriously injured or killed by someone who is texting while driving? Is a $25.00 fine going to send a message and act as a deterrent? I would propose much harsher penalties, maybe even prison time and a charge of manslaughter in extreme circumstances. Texting while driving is said to be more dangerous then drunk driving. The penalties should at least be the same!

            Two weeks after the Cell Phone Text Messaging Bill was signed into law I was traveling down I-64.  Ironically I was near the Frankfort, where the bill was signed and debated.  I was passed by a driver who had a laptop computer wedged between the passenger seat and the dashboard. The computer faced him and he was typing as he passed me going well over the speed limit!  I had a “Did I really just see that?” moment.

We really need to use some common sense when we are driving a car.  I believe the Text Messaging Bill is a good start; however, I don’t believe the penalties are harsh enough to have a real impact. It didn’t faze my friend with the computer wedged in his front seat.  Inattentive driving can cause can cause severe consequences, such as brain injury, paralysis or even death. 

There are efforts nationally, such as Oprah Winfrey’s “No Phone Zone.” This is a push to get teenage drivers to enter into a contract abstaining from texting while driving or even using a cell phone in the car.  What a great idea! My 16-year-old daughter helped to get signatures and pledges at her high school.  Her class was able to get over 100 students to sign a contract or pledge not to use a cell phone while driving. 

This is a good start but as I said, Kentucky needs to go further with penalties and enforcement.  For now, we’ll take what we have and hope that all Kentuckians use common sense to prevent serious motor vehicle accidents and fatal accidents on our roads.