Police everywhere are cracking down on careless and distracted drivers.

One thing that can distract people on the roads will soon be against the law in Kentucky. State Police are stepping up patrols across the state as part of Operation KSP.

"Just to improve safety, to reduce fatalities. That's our goal," Sgt. Ron Farley of the Harlan Post said.

They are conducting checkpoints. They are looking for people speeding, not wearing seatbelts or not having proper child restraints.

Thanks to a new law, in just a few weeks, they will be looking for drivers texting.

"We want to increase awareness of the new laws coming out. We also want to continue to help safety of all drivers in the state of Kentucky," Farley said.

The new law not only bans texting for all drivers, but also forbids drivers under the age of 18 from talking on their cell phone.

Farley says it will be difficult to enforce, but says if you are driving carelessly, you will be pulled over.

"If you're not driving safely, you're going to get cited. What we're trying to do is to make the roads safer for holiday travel," Farley said.

With more people on the roads in the summer, and July 4 coming up, Farley says it's more important than ever to help keep everyone safe.

Since May 24, Farley says the Harlan post has issued 2,896 citations, including 34 DUIs.

Drivers caught breaking the texting law could face fines that range from $25 for the first offense, and up to $50 for subsequent offenses. Kentucky's texting while driving law goes into effect on July 15.