U.S. Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood applauded Kentucky Gov. Steve Beshear and Nebraska Gov. Dave Heineman for signing anti-texting-while-driving bills into law for all drivers in their states. In Kentucky, the new law also prohibits drivers under 18 from using cell phones behind the wheel at any time. In Nebraska, state law already forbids teen drivers with provisional licenses, learner’s permits or school permits from texting or talking on cell phones.
“The streets in Kentucky and Nebraska will be safer with these laws on the books,” LaHood says. “Distracted driving is an epidemic that kills thousands and injures hundreds of thousands more every year. Drivers should always devote their full attention to the road, not to texting and talking on a cell phone.”
Nebraska became the 22nd state to ban texting for all drivers. Under the ban, texting while driving is a secondary offense that allows law enforcement officials to ticket drivers if they are pulled over for another offense.
Kentucky became the 23rd state to ban texting for all drivers. The new law prohibits texting while driving for drivers of all ages, except in the case of an emergency. The law is stricter for drivers under 18, who may not text or talk on cell phones behind the wheel.
