Kentucky officials announced on March 31 that April is National Distracted Driving Awareness Month, urging motorists to drive distraction-free to improve road safety. As part of the month’s initiatives, a high-visibility enforcement campaign called “Put the Phone Away or Pay” will take place from April 6 to 13, focusing on reducing distracted driving through increased enforcement and public education.
According to statewide law enforcement collision data maintained by Kentucky State Police, there were 5,503 crashes in 2025 linked to distracted driving, including cellphone use. Of these incidents, 18 were fatal. Governor Andy Beshear said, “There is nothing more important than your safety and the safety of your fellow Kentuckians. We ask that everyone do their part and put the phone down while driving – it could help save a life, prevent a life-altering injury or spare lifelong regret.”
Officials from the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet’s Office of Highway Safety and Kentucky State Police are supporting this campaign in partnership with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. The effort includes outreach at the Spindletop Driver Licensing Regional Office in Lexington on April 1 from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m., where driver tips will be shared and details about the Kentucky Safe Teen Driving Challenge will be discussed.
The Kentucky Safe Teen Driving Challenge encourages teens aged 15-19 with a learner’s permit or driver’s license to register through April 16. Participants use a smartphone app that evaluates their driving behaviors based on five core safe habits and provides real-time feedback. The top five scorers will receive cash prizes totaling $10,000 sponsored by Intoximeters, AAA East Central, and AAA Blue Grass; the highest scorer will win $3,000 and recognition for their school.
Ryan Fisher, Executive Director of the Kentucky Office of Highway Safety said, “Teen drivers are some of our most vulnerable on the road due to their inexperience. We are committed to keeping them safe and reminding all drivers that no text or phone call is worth a life. Stay focused and stay safe.” KSP Public Affairs Branch Commander Sgt. Sudduth added that “Distracted driving is one of the dangers on our roadways that is completely preventable… The Kentucky State Police is committed to protecting the people of this commonwealth, and that includes encouraging drivers to stay focused and make safety their top priority every time they get behind the wheel.”
In Kentucky, drivers under age 18 are prohibited from using personal communication devices while operating a vehicle except during emergencies involving law enforcement or medical services (KRS 189.294), according to the official roster page.
