Health News
With the aim of raising awareness about the dangers of distracted driving, national public-service campaign "Decide to Drive" kicked off this month.
- Join High Schoolers Around The State On Sept. 19 In Taking The 'it Can Wait' Pledge Not To Text While Driving
In preparation for its national day of action, the "It Can Wait" campaign teamed up with state legislators in four schools across Kentucky to increase awareness about the risks of texting while driving. Become an advocate too by taking the pledge not...
- New Study Finds Texting And Driving Kills And Injures More Teens Than Drinking And Driving, And Is Becoming More Prevalent
A new study finds that texting while driving has become more dangerous among teenagers than drinking and driving, and it says the number of teens who are dying or being injured as a result of this habit has "skyrocketed." Nationwide, more than 3,000 teens...
- Univ. Of Pikeville Students Hear Of Horrors Of Texting While Driving, Actively Sign Pledge To Stop The Practice
Alyson Gibson, a student at the University of Pikeville, signs the 'No Text on Board' pledge.Maybe it was a surprise to some in the crowd but texting and driving has been illegal in Kentucky since April 15, 2010. Still, the folks at the University...
- Ban Texting And Cell Phone Use While Driving, National Transportation Safety Board Urges
States should prohibit drivers from using cell phones and other portable electronic devices while behind the wheel, except during emergencies, the National Transportation Board said Tuesday. The recommendation was unanimous among the five members of the...
- Most Kentuckians In Favor Of Banning Cell Phone Use While Driving
Though three of four Kentuckians admit to talking on the phone while driving, just as many would support a law banning cell phone use while operating a vehicle, the Kentucky Health Issues Poll has found. "Although most Kentucky adults use their cell...
Health News
National campaign targets distracted driving
With the aim of raising awareness about the dangers of distracted driving, national public-service campaign "Decide to Drive" kicked off this month.With former boxer Joe Frazier as spokesman, the campaign features a website, as well as posters, postcards and displays for surgeons to use to educate their patients. "The goal is to get people to think before they do something dangerous behind the wheel, such as using a cellphone, sending a text, eating or even reaching for a child's toy," The Courier-Journal's Darla Carter reports.
The undertaking is funded by the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons and the Orthopaedic Trauma Association. Orthopedic surgeons can mend a lot, but "there are some injuries you just can't make normal," said Dr. Marc Zussman, who practices in Rockford, Ill.
In 2009, 5,474 people died nationwide and another 448,000 were hurt in accidents thought to have involved distracted driving. In 2010, more than 54,000 accidents took place in which distracted driving was believed to be a factor. In July, it became illegal to text while driving in Kentucky. Drivers under the age of 18 cannot use cell phones at all while their vehicle is moving. As of January, texting and teen drivers can be stopped and fined for the violations.
To combat the issue, "a change in the entire safety culture is needed," as occurred with seat-belt awareness, said Boyd Sigler, director of the Kentucky Office of Highway Safety. (Read more)
- Join High Schoolers Around The State On Sept. 19 In Taking The 'it Can Wait' Pledge Not To Text While Driving
In preparation for its national day of action, the "It Can Wait" campaign teamed up with state legislators in four schools across Kentucky to increase awareness about the risks of texting while driving. Become an advocate too by taking the pledge not...
- New Study Finds Texting And Driving Kills And Injures More Teens Than Drinking And Driving, And Is Becoming More Prevalent
A new study finds that texting while driving has become more dangerous among teenagers than drinking and driving, and it says the number of teens who are dying or being injured as a result of this habit has "skyrocketed." Nationwide, more than 3,000 teens...
- Univ. Of Pikeville Students Hear Of Horrors Of Texting While Driving, Actively Sign Pledge To Stop The Practice
Alyson Gibson, a student at the University of Pikeville, signs the 'No Text on Board' pledge.Maybe it was a surprise to some in the crowd but texting and driving has been illegal in Kentucky since April 15, 2010. Still, the folks at the University...
- Ban Texting And Cell Phone Use While Driving, National Transportation Safety Board Urges
States should prohibit drivers from using cell phones and other portable electronic devices while behind the wheel, except during emergencies, the National Transportation Board said Tuesday. The recommendation was unanimous among the five members of the...
- Most Kentuckians In Favor Of Banning Cell Phone Use While Driving
Though three of four Kentuckians admit to talking on the phone while driving, just as many would support a law banning cell phone use while operating a vehicle, the Kentucky Health Issues Poll has found. "Although most Kentucky adults use their cell...