Sevierville Police Department Says “Thumbs Down” To Texting and Driving

The Sevierville Police Department (SPD) is partnering with the Tennessee Governor’s Highway Safety Office to promote their new campaign, Thumbs Down to Texting and Driving, during the month of April. April is nationally recognized as Distracted Driving Awareness Month. Partner agencies are encouraged to participate in the campaign by providing information and increasing awareness in their communities about the dangers of distracted driving.

“Texting and driving requires motorists to take their eyes off the road, hands off the wheel, and minds off the task of driving. It creates the proverbial ‘perfect storm’ for a crash, and no one has the right to put another person’s life at risk like that,” said SPD Chief Don Myers. “Please join our officers and K9 Buck in supporting ‘Thumbs Down to Texting and Driving’ in Sevierville.”

Texting and driving in Tennessee can result in a $50 fine for a driver of any age. For young drivers who have Learner’s Permits or Intermediate Restricted licenses, cell phone use of any kind while driving is illegal.

Preliminary data reveals that in 2014, Tennessee experienced its highest number of known distracted driving crashes at 21,021:

• 41 fatal crashes resulting in 48 deaths
• 5,951 injury crashes resulting in 8,602 injured
• 15,029 property damage only crashes

“Texting while driving is illegal and irresponsible,” said Governor’s Highway Safety Office Director Kendell Poole. “We are hoping that by highlighting one negative behavior, Tennesseans will recognize the need to stop all behaviors that take their focus off of driving.”

For more information about the Thumbs Down campaign or to learn more about texting and driving, visit www.thumbsdowntn.com.