Kentucky lawmakers are once again taking a closer look at strengthening the state’s distracted driving laws after a Louisville mother shared the story of losing her young daughter to a distracted driver.

During a recent meeting of the Interim Joint Committee on Transportation, Sen. Jimmy Higdon (R-Lebanon) introduced the “Phone Down Kentucky Act,” a proposal that would make it illegal for drivers to hold or use a cell phone in their hands while driving. The measure would expand on the state’s current texting-while-driving ban, which has been in place since 2011.

Higdon said the legislation aims to bring Kentucky in line with its neighboring states, all of which already have some form of hands-free driving law. “If something as simple as putting the phone down can save a life, we owe it to Kentuckians to make that change,” Higdon said.

He was joined at the hearing by Alyssa Burns, a Louisville mother whose 2-year-old daughter, Camberleigh, was killed in a 2022 crash caused by a distracted driver. Burns tearfully described the crash that claimed her daughter’s life, explaining that their vehicle was stopped in traffic when it was struck from behind by a driver who admitted he wasn’t paying attention.

“The driver who hit us never faced serious consequences,” Burns told lawmakers. “I know this bill won’t bring my daughter back, but it plants a seed for safety and security on our Kentucky roads.”

The proposed law would require drivers to use hands-free technology while behind the wheel and would prohibit holding or typing on devices, watching videos, or using phones in a way that takes a driver’s eyes off the road. Limited exceptions would apply for emergency personnel and certain GPS functions. Violators could face a $100 fine plus court costs for the first offense.

Higdon, who will serve his final legislative session before retiring, said the issue of distracted driving has become personal for him as he continues to see its deadly consequences across the state. According to Kentucky’s latest traffic report, 814 people died in collisions last year, with driver inattention and distraction contributing to more than 20% of those fatalities.

“This is a winnable battle,” Higdon said. “With this legislation, we can reduce deaths on Kentucky highways and protect more families from the kind of tragedy Alyssa experienced.”

The Phone Down Kentucky Act is expected to be formally introduced when lawmakers return to Frankfort for the 2026 legislative session.


This report was compiled using information gathered from law enforcement statements, official press releases, and publicly available news sources.
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