County Attorney Hines Joins Drive Safe Kentucky: "Take The Pledge, Save A Life" Campaign At ECHS On November 7

Edmonson Voice Staff
In an effort to make roads safer and to save lives, Edmonson County Attorney J.B. Hines announced today that his office has joined the Drive Safe Kentucky “Take the pledge and save a life” campaign to stop distracted driving. The Edmonson County Attorney has pledged its support to help spread the message that distracted drivers are not only a danger to themselves, but everyone else on the road.

“We all know that talking or texting on our cell phones while driving is distracting, but that doesn’t stop most people from continuing to do it,” said Guy Huguelet – President of Drive Safe Kentucky. “This effort is intended to educate our community about the dangers of cell phone use and other distractions while driving. We hope that once people see the statistics and realize the danger involved, they will change their driving habits to help protect themselves, their families, and others on the road.”

“For anyone who thinks they can talk on their phone, text, apply make-up, or do any other distracting activity while driving, it’s time for a crash course in reality from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, here are some facts” said Huguelet:

• In 2014, 3,179 people were killed in crashes involving a distracted driver and an estimated additional 431,000 were injured in motor vehicle crashes involving a distracted driver.  Drivers who use hand-held devices are four times as likely to be involved in a serious crash. (Insurance Institute for Highway Safety)
• The percentage of drivers text-messaging or visibly manipulating handheld devices increased from 1.7 percent in 2013 to 2.2 percent in 2014.
• Since 2007, young drivers (age 16 to 24) have been observed manipulating electronic devices at higher rates than older drivers.
• Ten percent of all drivers 15 to 19 years old involved in fatal crashes were reported as distracted at the time of the crashes. This age group has the largest proportion of drivers who were distracted at the time of the crashes.

​While anything that takes your eyes off the road, hands off the wheel, or mind off the task of driving is a hazard, there is heightened concern about the risks of texting while driving because it combines all three types of distraction – visual, manual and cognitive. Drive Safe Kentucky and Edmonson County High School will host

Drive Safe Kentucky “Take the pledge and Save a Life” campaign on Monday November 7th 2016 at Edmonson County High School. The Campaign is a comprehensive safe driving awareness program geared toward our youth in the Commonwealth. The program will put an emphasis on driver experience, improper driving behavior, distracted driving and driving under the influence using simulators and student participation activities. Each student will be asked to sign and take the pledge to not text and drive.

“Every driver in Edmonson County has a role in this effort,” said Edmonson Co Attorney J.B. Hines. “However, we especially want to reach out to parents with teen drivers because we know that statistically, the under-20 age group had the highest proportion of distracted drivers involved in fatal crashes.”

“The Edmonson County Attorney and Drive Safe Kentucky’s goal with this campaign is simple – save lives by getting drivers to remember that “One Text or Call Could Wreck It All” and “It can Wait”. It’s time to Drive Safe Kentucky. “ said J.B. Hines.

​For more information about distracted driving, please visit www.distraction.gov, or you can contact Guy Huguelet, Drive Safe Kentucky – guy@psicontact.com or 8595765770. J.B. Hines, Edmonson County Attorney, 270-597-9609.