Kentucky lawmaker files legislation to expand state's ban on texting while driving

LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WDRB) -- A Kentucky lawmaker wants people to put their phones down while behind the wheel.

Sen. Jimmy Higdon, R-Lebaanon, filed Senate Bill 28, which "seeks to close gaps in state law that currently allow drivers to use cellphones behind the wheel."

If passed, the legislation — known as the Phone Down Kentucky Act — would expand the state's existing ban on texting behind the wheel to prohibit almost all handheld use of mobile devices while driving. That does not include GPS navigation, emergencies and law enforcement.

Higdon, who serves on the Kentucky Transportation Committee, said the goal is to prevent further tragedy on Kentucky roads. The bill was filed in memory of 2-year-old Camberleigh Burns, who died in a crash caused by a distracted driver, Higdon said.

Her mother, Alyssa Burns, joined Higdon in November to testify on behalf of the bill in front of lawmakers.

"All it takes is one glance at a phone to shatter a family forever," he said in a news release Thursday. "This bill gives us the chance to prevent more heartbreak."

Higdon said federal data shows more than 3,300 people were killed as a result of distracted driving in 2022.

To read the bill that was introduced Tuesday, click here.

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