Kentucky lawmakers propose hands-free law to curb distracted driving

LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WDRB) -- Kentucky lawmakers are reviving efforts to curb distracted driving with a proposal to ban drivers from holding their phones behind the wheel.

Senate Transportation Chair Jimmy Higdon, R-Lebanon, presented his Phone Down Kentucky Act Tuesday to lawmakers in Frankfort. The bill would make it illegal to hold or support a phone while driving, expanding Kentucky’s current texting ban to cover nearly all phone use unless it’s hands-free.

Alyssa Burns, a leading advocate for roadway safety, joined Higdon to testify on behalf of the bill in front of lawmakers Tuesday. Her 2-year-old daughter, Camberleigh, lost her life in a crash caused by a distracted driver.

“I know this bill doesn’t bring Camberleigh back, or bring the justice that is due to us, but it plants a seed for safety and security on our Kentucky roads,” Burns said. “I am here to support and help pass this bill, and all I can ask is that you join me."

The bill keeps exemptions for emergencies, GPS navigation and law enforcement. Officers could only issue tickets if they see a violation and would not be allowed to search or seize a phone because of it.

“Camberleigh’s story breaks your heart, and while this bill will not change what happened, it gives us a path forward,” Higdon said. “We have a responsibility to act. If something as simple as putting the phone down can save a life, we owe it to Kentuckians to make that change.”

Higdon said 29 states already have similar hands-free laws. All seven of Kentucky’s neighboring states are among them.

“Distracted driving has taken far too many lives in our state, but Kentucky still has not caught up with the commonsense laws already in place elsewhere,” Higdon said.

The proposal is expected to be filed in the upcoming legislative session.

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