State News
Beshear prohibits texting by employees in state vehicles
FRANKFORT — Gov. Steve Beshear issued an executive order Wednesday banning texting by state employees while driving state vehicles.
The ban carries no penalty but violations will be reported to the employee’s supervisor, Beshear said, adding that’s “not a good thing.”
Beshear said there were 53,000 vehicle crashes last year “attributable to driver distraction” resulting in 199 deaths. Acting Transportation Secretary Mike Hancock said there were 15,000 injuries in those crashes and called the practice of texting while driving “incredibly dangerous.”
Several bills have been pre-filed by lawmakers banning in one form or another texting while operating motor vehicles. One by Rep. Jody Richards, D-Bowling Green, would impose fines ranging from $10 to $20 but carrying no jail time or court costs.
“I am certainly going to support legislation in the General Assembly that would apply this ban across the board in Kentucky,” Beshear said.
‘I am convinced multi-media and driving do not mix,” Beshear said. “As state government, we should set an example for others while driving.”
The ban does not cover cell phone conversations because, Beshear said, drivers can keep their eyes on the roadway while talking – but not while texting.
Beshear said traffic fatalities have decreased for three consecutive years and the state is on track to see fewer deaths in 2009 than in 2008, but he thinks efforts to reduce distracted driving can help reduce those statistics still more.
Last year, there were 600 accidents involving state employees driving fleet vehicles and just under 500 in the present year. Beshear said the state doesn’t have data indicating how many of those are attributed to distracted driving.
Hancock said driver distraction is attributable to more than electronic devices – people often are observed eating, grooming, “even reading” while behind the wheel, he said.
Beshear said there are some exceptions to the order. Employees will not be reprimanded if they pull vehicles over to a safe place off the road before using electronic devices and some security personnel are exempted because of the nature of their duties, he said.
Anyone observing a driver of a state vehicle using an electronic to text or who is guilty of distracted driving may report the incident by calling 502-564-2727.
RONNIE ELLIS writes for CNHI News Service and is based in Frankfort. Reach him at rellis@cnhi.com. Follow CNHI News Service stories on Twitter at www.twitter.com/cnhifrankfort.
- State News
-
-
Time running out for legislature as budget dominates business
The House passed a $17.5 billion two year budget and a new road plan but they're likely to face changes in the Senate as the 2010 General Assembly approaches the end of its calendar.
-
County officials worry state budget will hit county jails
County officials Thursday called a provision in the House state budget plan “a threat to public safety” because of a cost-savings measure to reduce the number of non-violent, non-sexual offenders behind bars.
-
Bank merger benefits shareholders, not account holders
I have had my personal checking account at the same bank since I was in school. How I chose my bank was simple. My brother-in-law at the time was a branch manager and I opened an account with him. He left my bank and my family years ago, but I have stayed with my bank all these years for a simple reason: It was easy. Now my bank isn’t my bank anymore and it’s time for me to go, too.
-
Budget debate about more than the budget
ELLIS COLUMN:
For all the rhetoric and bombast about the state budget, much of the debate is more about elections and the real budget won't emerge until a few powerful lawmakers go behind closed doors at the end of the session.
-
County officials worry state budget will hit local jails
Several groups representing county officials are asking state lawmakers not to go through with a plan to reduce the number of Class D felons behind bars, most of whom are housed in county jails which receive payments from the state.
-
Senate committee alters Amanda's Bill
A bill to protect victims of domestic abuse was amended Thursday by a Senate committee in response to concerns about costs and consitutional protections.
-
How they voted made a difference in the House
How can the state build new schools or water and sewer systems without the money for them - but should a child's school or safe drinking water be determined by a lawmaker's vote?
-
House budget contains lots of school, water-sewer projects
Proponents called it a jobs bill, critics irresponsible, but the House state budget contains lots of goodies for folks back home - if their representative voted for the revenue measures to fund it.
-
After political debate, House passes $17.5 billion budget
The outcome was never in doubt as House Democrats had more than enough votes, but it took three hours of debate and 24 speeches to pass a $17.5 billion two-year budget laden with projects.
-
Chef writes a ‘love letter’ to Kentucky cuisine
The recent scene captured the gentle beauty, long-standing tradition and unique character of the Bluegrass State — things chef Jonathan Lundy has come to love.
- More State News Headlines
-
Time running out for legislature as budget dominates business
