Whether it’s texting, talking on a cell phone or trying to punch an address into a GPS system, it’s distracting, dangerous and reckless – and we need to put an end to it.
Lexington, Kentucky (PRWEB) January 20, 2011
Although he’s glad that Kentucky law enforcement officers can now ticket drivers for texting, Lexington car accident attorney Frank M. Jenkins III said he wishes police could crack down on other forms of distracted driving.
“Our state has moved in the right direction by banning texting while driving, but we haven’t gone far enough,” Jenkins said. “To make our roads safer, we need to prohibit drivers of all ages from using any type of electronic device while behind the wheel.
“Whether it’s texting, talking on a cell phone or trying to punch an address into a GPS system, it’s distracting, dangerous and reckless – and we need to put an end to it.”
Jenkins is the founder of the Lexington personal injury law firm, Frank Jenkins Law Office, which represents car accident victims in Fayette County and communities throughout Kentucky.
He spoke this week in reference to a Kentucky law that was signed by Governor Steve Beshear in April and which took effect in July.
Starting January 1, Kentucky State Police and local law enforcement officers can now enforce the law by issuing citations, with the penalties being $25 for a first offense and $50 for each subsequent offense. Prior to the start of the year, officers could only give out warnings.
The law prohibits drivers of all ages from sending or reading text messages while a vehicle is in motion unless it is an emergency situation. The law also bans the use of cell phones by all drivers under age 18 and prohibits them from entering information into a GPS device while the car is moving.
However, the law still allows drivers over age 18 to read and enter telephone numbers and names into a cell phone while they are driving. They can also still use GPS systems.
“Trying to text a message while you’re flying down the road in your car is the epitome of reckless driving, but dialing a number, talking on your cell phone or looking up an address on your GPS isn’t very different,” Jenkins said. “The bottom line is that we shouldn’t sanction any type of activity that takes drivers’ minds off the road.”
According to a news release from the Governor’s office, 791 people died in Kentucky car crashes in 2009, with more than 200 of those auto accident fatalities attributable to distraction, inattention or cell phone use.
“As a Kentucky personal injury lawyer, my concern lies with car accident victims and their families, who have to deal with the physical, emotional and financial consequences of distracted driving,” Jenkins said. “That’s why I would support a more restrictive law.”
About the Frank Jenkins Law Office
The Lexington, Ky., personal injury attorneys of the Frank Jenkins Law Office handle injury and accident cases, including motorcycle accidents, car accidents, truck accidents, wrongful death, workplace accidents, construction accidents and Social Security disability claims. For more information, contact the Frank Jenkins Law Office today at (800) CAR-WRECK, locally at (859) 389-9344 or through the firm’s online contact form.
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