February 15 2010
Harper-Angel Sponsored Bill That Will Ban Texting While Driving Passes House
Tagged Under : automobile accidents, distracted driving, kentucky, text messaging, texting while driving
In many ways we are moving in the wrong direction. Kentucky has been too slow in banning texting while driving. Automobile accidents due to distracted driving are increasing. The auto manufacturers are moving at breakneck speed to put more devices on their vehicles while lawmakers are dragging their feet.
There has been some progress. President Obama has banned text messaging while driving by all federal employees. He views text messaging as a deadly epidemic. I think we have seen through our behavior over the last few years that voluntary compliance of not using a cell phone or texting while driving is way beyond hope. We have too many gadgets in our cars.
There are some states that have pushed the envelope such as Utah which punishes drivers who killed others while texting with the same penalties as drunk drivers. That is up to 15 years in prison. Ironically this law was able to be passed only after two rocket booster scientists were killed after being hit by an oncoming car that swerved into their lane and was texting at the time.
Focus Driven has a new web site www.focusdriven.org. This web site has information on distracted driving, help for victims and family members and ways to get involved.
In Louisville, Kentucky the police have stated that texting and driving is a growing problem on our roads. It has been reported that Louisville lawmakers are looking to some 19 other states that already have laws against it for guidance. Their real concern is how we enforce the law.
Denise Harper Angel, a Kentucky state senator, is sponsoring a bill which would ban texting while driving. This bill is getting a lot of support. The bill made it out of the Kentucky House on an 80 to 16 vote. Not only is texting while driving banned, but cell phone use is not allowed for those drivers under 18 years of age.
There has even been a new phrase coined for texting while driving which is called intexticated. I hope the new law will focus on banning all texting while driving and not just focus on teenagers. It is time for us to finally make this change in Kentucky. Call your State Senator today. If we work together you can save lives.



