It is Distracted Driving Awareness Month and state officials want to see an end to distracted driving on Louisiana’s roads. Department of Transportation Secretary Joe Donahue says preliminary data from 2024 shows that distracted driving crashes led to 180 fatalities and 1,295 serious injuries in Louisiana.
“That’s 180 empty seats at dinner tables, 1,295 families whose lives were turned upside down, and countless friends and loved ones left grieving or caring for someone who may never fully recover,” Donahue said.
Cell phones are believed to be a major contributor to distracted or inattentive crashes. Insurance Commissioner Tim Temple urges parents to set an example of not using a phone while behind the wheel.
“If they see you using a phone while driving or texting while driving, it’s just a natural progression. They’re going to think that’s ok. So, model good behavior for your kids,” Temple said.
Louisiana Highway Safety Commission executive director Lisa Freeman says in the upcoming legislative session, they will once again push lawmakers to approve a hands-free primary law, which would allow police officers to ticket drivers who use a handheld cell phone while driving.
“The states who have gone in that direction over the last several decades have really seen, like, tremendous results,” Freeman said.
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