Highway safety officials give “thumbs down” to texting and driving
MADISON COUNTY, Tenn.-The Madison County Sheriff’s Department is giving a “thumbs down” to texting and driving as they kick off their second annual campaign.
They are partnering with the Tennessee Highway Safety Office during April, which is designated as Distracted Driving Awareness Month.
Numbers indicate that crashes due to texting and other distractions have more than doubled in the past decade.
Last year, distracted driving in the Volunteer State caused nearly 23,000 crashes. Law enforcement leaders say, it has to stop.
“People that are texting and driving are irresponsible… bottom line… that they are putting themselves at risk, they are putting their family at risk and they are putting the other drivers on the roadway at risk,” said Sgt. Joseph Gill with the Madison County Sheriff’s Dept.
Officials said just last year, 51 people in Tennessee were killed in crashes caused by distracted driving.
Texting and driving in Tennessee can also result in a $50 fine.
