Cady Stribling
News Editor
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In light of April being National Distracted Driving Awareness Month, Murray State Police Chief Jeff Gentry gave many tips that were partly developed by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration that drivers can follow to be distraction-free.

“University Police reminds pedestrians and drivers to remain alert and be mindful of each other on the roadway,” Gentry said. “There are multiple traffic offenses that can cause distracted driving, i.e. driving while intoxicated, texting while driving, just to name a few,” Gentry said. “I usually try to promote these tips yearly.”

The first tip Gentry gave is to always watch out for pedestrians and yield at crosswalks. Second, before you start the car, learn your A-B-C’s: adjust mirrors, buckle seat belts and check on passengers. 

The next tip is to plan your route ahead of time to avoid taking your eyes off the road to look at phone or paper maps. Avoid distracted driving by never texting or talking on the phone, Gentry said. Also, eating and driving means taking your eyes off the road, so stick with eating at destinations.

Gentry said promoting those in the car to be peaceful and keeping the music at a reasonable level are other ways to have the safest driving experiences. If drivers are tired at the wheel, Gentry recommends pulling over and resting.

Driving under the influence hinders one’s judgement and reaction time and can result in accidents and death. Gentry said getting a DUI will also cause people to lose their licenses and an increase in their insurance rates.

Gentry said pedestrians should also follow tips to stay safe. He recommends people put away their phones and remove headphones while getting to their destination. People should also be predictable by using the sidewalks and crosswalks, as well as being cautious at night and in poor weather conditions.

“University Police encourages pedestrians and motorists to travel with care, especially at night and during poor weather conditions when visibility is not at its best,” Gentry said. “Let’s work together to help everyone arrive safely to their destinations.”

According to a press release from the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet’s Office (KYTC) of Highway Safety, texting and phone use while driving is a common way for drivers to be distracted. Using the phone combines three types of distractions: visual, manual and cognitive. Other forms of distracted driving include drivers taking their eyes off the road and hands off the wheel.

KYTC State Highway Engineer James Ballinger said if people must use their phones, crashes are preventable through safe practices like waiting to text or post until parked and having passengers give directions, according to the release.

“Pre-enter your destination in navigation, utilize your phone’s Do Not Disturb option, put your phone in the glove compartment or give it to your passenger,” Ballinger said. “When you get behind the wheel, putting away your phone should be as automatic as putting on your seat belt.”

According to the press release, distracted driving is the leading cause of vehicle crashes. In Kentucky, distracted driving results in over 50,000 crashes, over 15,000 injuries, and roughly 200 deaths each year, according to the Kentucky Office of Highway Safety (KOHS).

Over half of people killed in motor vehicle accidents were not wearing a seatbelt, according to the KOHS. Those who wear seatbelts have the best chance of avoiding injury or death in a vehicle crash, according to the press release. Seatbelts help spread the force of car crashes over wide areas of the body, which is less stressful on the body.

“Preventable deaths are the hardest ones to accept,” said Transportation Cabinet Secretary Jim Gray in the press release. “By committing to two simple yet critical actions, we can prevent crashes, the severity of injuries and the number of deaths on our roadways.”

Gov. Andy Beshear announced a $37.6 million contract in Feb. 2021 that will go towards the construction of a four-lane section of U.S. 641, which goes into southern Calloway County, according to a press release by District 1 of the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet. 

Construction on the two-lane highway that carries roughly 6,000 vehicles each day began in March 2021, according to the press release. The new four-lane highway will cover 5.6 miles from Murray to Hazel and the Kentucky-Tennessee border. Construction is expected to be completed in summer 2023.

Matt Smith, spokesman for Congressman James Comer, said this expansion will largely benefit the region.

“The expansion of U.S. 641 from Murray to Tennessee will boost economic development and provide new opportunities for jobs and industry in future years,” Smith said. “Congressman Comer was happy to support the $23 million federal infrastructure grant awarded in 2018 that is instrumental to this project, and looks forward to seeing it completed over the next couple of years.”

According to the press release, Calloway County Judge-Executive Kenny Imes said the construction is a result of more than 30 years of efforts and planning by the community, involving hundreds of people. Imes said these improvements will create safer roads and expand economic development opportunities.