Distracted Driving: What The Latest Study Reveals About Kentucky

This is one of those Top 5 lists we don't want to be a part of, but it's good to be aware of where Kentucky ranks when it comes to safety, or lack thereof, on the road. Because May is the deadliest month for distracted driving, Whistleout.com performs an annual study on the numbers to put things into perspective. Here are the results.

Distracted Driving Fatalities Increase

"In the most recent nationwide data available, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) reported that over 6,165 people were killed or injured by distracted driving in 2023," Whistleout shared. "Distracted driving fatalities are also up 14.22% over a five-year period."

Using Cell Phones While Driving

After polling 1,000 people, Whistleout found that only 17% of Americans admitted to being on their phone while driving. I'm just gonna say it, there HAVE to be more than that. I think lots of folks were probably too embarrassed to admit it. Cell phones are NOT the only distractions on the road, of course.

Distracted Driving Hazards

Anything that diverts your attention away from being focused physically and mentally on getting from point A to point B is considered Distracted Driving. Examples could be looking at a yard sale sign on the side of the road or reaching for a water bottle that fell in the floorboard. Even your mind wandering to think about what's for dinner.

Get our free mobile app

Distracted Driving Affects All Ages

Obviously, driving on the road at all has its risks, no matter who you are. There may be a misconception that younger drivers are the most distracted. However, "15% of all fatal distracted driving crashes involve a young driver (20 years old or younger), while 23% involve a driver over the age of 65."