State Warns Against Distracted Driving
From Kentucky Public Radio’s Tony McVeigh
A Kentucky teenager is helping launch a new state public awareness campaign on the dangers of distracted driving, particularly texting while driving.
On a typical July night last year, 18-year old Nicole Meredith of Louisville was driving and texting. Her parents had warned her to never use her cell phone while driving, but texting was second nature to the teen and she thought she could handle it. Suddenly, she was off the road and halfway in the median.
“Like anyone,” she says. “I freaked out and attempted to correct myself and ended up over-correcting myself.”
She totaled her car, but escaped unharmed. Now, she’s helping the state send a message. “Distracted driving is deadly driving. A message from the Kentucky Office of Highway Safety.”
The state says 53-thousand accidents and 199 fatalities last year in Kentucky were blamed on distracted drivers. Seven of the deaths involved drivers using cell phones.
Hello–
May I get more info on the name of Nicole’s campaign so I can offer support–a friend of my family’s young son died in Boise, Idaho last week while texting–this is so very sad…Thank you -Wendy
602-672-2806
The name of the Kentucky Office of Highway Safety’s campaign is “Distracted Driving is Deadly Driving.”
Thanks.
http://www.hosmyteendriving.org is a great idea. Takes away a teens anonymity on the road so they cant be reckless, use cell phone, etc.