FRANKFORT, Ky. (WDRB) -- Despite several years of attempts to ban all types of phone-use for Kentucky drivers, one Kentucky lawmaker says he's not giving up.
Kentucky Representative James Tipton, R-Taylorsville, again has filed House Bill 12, known as the Phone-Down Kentucky Act. Similar versions of this legislation have failed since at least 2019.
"This is not the first time I've introduced this legislation, but I've learned to be persistent in life, so we're going to continue to work on it again in the 2023 session," he said.
In 2010, Kentucky banned all texting and driving. If the driver is under 18 in Kentucky, it's illegal to use your phone for anything when in motion, except hands-free calls.
Rep. Tipton's bill would ban adult drivers from using their phone in their hand for anything other than GPS, like Facetiming, watching videos and more.
Tipton also wants to ban drivers under 18 from being able to be on a phone call, regardless of Bluetooth and hands-free options. For those above 18, drivers could still take phone calls, as long as it's hands free.
"I think it's not much of a sacrifice to not have a phone or some type of electronic device in your hand while you're driving," Rep. Tipton said.
In 2018, a Metropolitan Sewer District truck driver was watching a pornographic video when he crashed into a Louisville Metro Police vehicle, killing LMPD Detective Deidre Mengedoht on Christmas Eve.
"I think it's time. It's about saving lives," Rep. Tipton said.
According to KSP collision data, in 2022 there were 5,491 crashes related to distracted drivers, including with cell phones. Ten of the crashes were fatal.
KSP collision data related to distracted driving during the year of 2022.
"My goal with this proposed legislation is not to be punitive, not to raise money from tickets, it's to change people's attitude to driving habits," Rep. Tipton said.
St. Matthews Police Chief Barry Wilkerson said "anytime you take away any distraction, it's going to help drivers.”
"There's a lot of things we like to do. But you know what? It only takes that one time to kill somebody in a tragic accident like that," he said. "Do you want to live with that for the rest of your life?”
As the bill is written, Tipton said fines are expected to be between $50 and $100 for first and second offense. For those facing a third offense, the fine would be between $100 and $199. Fines would increase if the offense is in a school-zone or work-zone.
If the bill passes this session, Rep. Tipton says fines would start rolling out Jan. 1, 2024.
Rep. Tipton asks if anyone supports this measure to contact their legislators to voice their support.
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