Kentucky Bans State Workers From Texting While Driving

Kentucky Gov. Steve Beshear has banned state employees from sending text messages while driving government-owned vehicles.

Beshear issued an executive order that says he took the step in an effort to reduce the number of traffic accidents caused by driver distraction.

He said the state and it’s 34,000 employees need to set an example for drivers.

The governor’s order defines texting as any form of electronic data communication, including reading or entering data into handheld or other electronic devices. The order says that includes SMS texting, e-mailing, instant messenging, and obtaining navigational information.

Exempted from the ban are employees involved in public safety.

Beshear is calling the ban his “Eyes on the Road” effort.