THP: Take distracted driving seriously
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JACKSON, Tenn. — Texting and driving cost a West Tennessee man his life Thursday after a collision in Toone. The Tennessee Highway Patrol said this lesson is something they wish drivers would take more seriously. “The past few years, technology has come so far and everyone has a cell phone. Obviously, we all need to use them in our line of work, but there’s a safe way to use them,” THP Lieutenant Brad Wilbanks said. The THP said fatalities like the one caused by a wreck in Toone make their mission of educating drivers about the importance of putting your phone down when you are on the road. Troopers said 47-year-old Charles Burgess was texting and driving when he wrecked head-on into a dump truck. That caused both vehicles to collide and fall into a ravine. Drivers say it is a matter of educating people that a little distraction can have huge consequences. “Education — let people know how dangerous it is, that it’s worse than drunk driving,” driver Hugh Morgan said. Wilbanks said even if you are not the one texting or dialing, the importance of paying attention is a lesson for everyone. So far this year, there have been more than 650 roadway fatalities in Tennessee, down from more than 700 crashes at this time last year.
