Distracted driving is a growing threat on Kentucky roads, leading to what could be preventable accidents, injuries, and fatalities. Whether it’s texting, adjusting the GPS, or simply losing focus, even a moment of inattention can have severe consequences. At Saladino & Schaaf, PLLC, we help victims of distracted driving accidents seek justice and compensation. If you or a loved one has been injured due to a negligent driver, our experienced personal injury attorneys are here to help protect your rights and guide you through the legal process.
The Scope of the Problem
In Kentucky, distracted driving contributes to more than 50,000 crashes annually, representing nearly 40% of all collisions in the state. These crashes result in hundreds of fatalities and thousands of injuries each year. While Kentucky’s overall traffic fatality rate has fluctuated over the years, distracted driving remains a persistent and growing concern.
Common Causes of Distracted Driving
While smartphones receive most of the attention in discussions about distracted driving, Kentucky safety officials emphasize that distractions come in many forms.
There are three main types of distracted driving:
1. Visual Distractions
- Taking your eyes off the road
- Looking at GPS navigation
- Reading text messages or emails
- Looking at roadside incidents or advertisements
- Searching for items in the vehicle
2. Manual Distractions
- Taking your hands off the wheel
- Texting or using a smartphone
- Eating and drinking
- Adjusting radio or climate controls
- Reaching for fallen objects
3. Cognitive Distractions
- Taking your mind off driving
- Talking on the phone (even hands-free)
- Having emotionally charged conversations
- Daydreaming
- Being preoccupied with work or personal problems
The Heightened Risks
Distracted driving can increase crash risk in multiple ways. Drivers who engage in distractions experience reduced reaction times, taking longer to respond to hazards or sudden changes in traffic conditions. This delay can be the difference between avoiding a collision and causing one.
Situational awareness can also be impaired when a driver is distracted. Instead of scanning the road and anticipating potential dangers, distracted drivers may not notice details of their driving environment, leading to missed stop signs, unnoticed lane changes, and delayed braking.
Additionally, when a driver’s hands leave the wheel, or their eyes leave the road, maintaining proper lane position and speed can become difficult. This loss of control may increase the likelihood of swerving into another lane, veering off the road, or failing to react appropriately in an emergency.
Cognitive tunneling—a phenomenon in which a driver focuses too intently on a distraction—can further amplify the danger. Distracted drivers may miss up to 50% of the visual information in their driving environment, increasing the risk of a crash.
Research from the Kentucky Transportation Center shows that distracted drivers are:
- 3 times more likely to be involved in a crash than attentive drivers
- 5 times more likely to cause a rear-end collision
- 4 times more likely to miss traffic signals
- 23 times more likely to be involved in a crash while texting
The risk is even higher for younger, less experienced drivers. Kentucky drivers under the age of 25 are involved in distraction-related crashes at a rate nearly twice that of the general driving population.
The Economic Impact
The financial cost of distracted driving in Kentucky can be substantial. Distraction-related crashes may result in medical expenses, property damage, lost productivity, and increased insurance costs every year. The economic burden of these accidents may extend beyond the individuals involved, affecting other Kentuckians through higher insurance premiums and increased strain on emergency response and healthcare systems. As more accidents occur due to driver inattention, insurers adjust their rates to reflect the heightened risk, passing the cost on to their policyholders.
Kentucky’s Response to Distracted Driving
In 2010, Kentucky took its first step toward addressing distracted driving by banning texting for all drivers and all cell phone use for drivers under 18. However, enforcement has proven challenging.
Beyond enforcement, Kentucky has invested in education campaigns targeting distracted driving. The “Put Down the Phone” initiative includes billboards, radio ads, and school presentations across the state. Additionally, the “It Can Wait” program, a partnership between the state and telecommunications companies, has brought distracted driving simulators to high schools and community events.
Preventing Distracted Driving: Steps You Can Take
Before hitting the road, it’s important to minimize potential distractions. Set your GPS destination in advance and review the route, complete any grooming or eating beforehand, and put your phone on “Do Not Disturb” mode with driving detection enabled. Secure any loose items that might roll around, and make sure your seat, mirrors, climate controls, and audio system are properly adjusted before you start driving.
Even hands-free technology can be distracting, so use it sparingly. If you need to make a call, send a text, or adjust your navigation, pull over safely first. Passengers can help manage navigation, communication, and in-car controls so you can stay focused. On long trips, take regular breaks to avoid fatigue.
Building long-term habits can further help to reduce the risk of distracted driving. Consider installing apps that block notifications while driving. If you’re a passenger with a distracted driver, speak up. Set a good example for children and teens by modeling attentive driving, and when purchasing a new vehicle, explore advanced driver assistance systems that can help enhance safety.
Safety advocates emphasize that the solution begins with personal responsibility. The basic practice of putting phones away, remaining focused, and eliminating unnecessary distractions can help save lives. When behind the wheel, attention is not just a matter of following the law—it can be a matter of life and death.
Experienced Kentucky Car Accident Attorneys – Call Us
At Saladino & Schaaf, PLLC, we bring decades of experience in handling car accident cases in Kentucky. Our attorneys focus on personal injury law, giving us the in-depth knowledge needed to navigate complex distracted driving claims. We’ve helped countless individuals recover the compensation they deserve after being injured by negligent drivers—and we’re ready to help you too.
If you or a loved one has been hurt in a distracted driving accident, don’t navigate the legal process alone. Contact our trusted legal team today at (270) 444-0406 or (270) 753-1529 to schedule a free consultation. With convenient office locations in Paducah and Murray, we’re here when you need us most.