Driving and cellphones don’t mix.
Beginning July 1, a new Tennessee law takes effect that prohibits talking on a hand-held cellphone while driving.
The new state law is an attempt to reduce distracted driving and the problems it creates. According to a study that can be seen on the website handsfreetn.com, Tennessee has the highest rate of distracted driving fatalities in the U.S., nearly five times the national average.
The website says Tennessee averages 67 distracted driving crashes per day.
“I think this will absolutely make a difference if people abide by the law,” said Highway Patrol Lt. Billy Prater. “The key is people have to want to obey the law because they realize the benefits. We don’t have enough law enforcement officers to catch everyone. People have to do it on their own.”
Prater said he was nearly hit by another motorist while driving recently in the Newtown area. He was off duty and in his private vehicle and said he could clearly see the female driver was texting and driving, which is already illegal in Tennessee. Prater said the driver was so engrossed in her text, “she didn’t have a clue” his vehicle was there.
“People need to realize this is a matter of safety,” said Prater.
Law enforcement officials say motorists need to be aware of the new law and be prepared to be stopped if they’re talking on a hand-held cellphone while driving.
“Distracted driver crashes continue to plague our community,” said McMinnville Police Chief Bryan Denton. “We must, as a community, do a better job addressing the matter. The new Hands Free Tennessee law is a tool in accomplishing that.”
Denton said there will be no grace period in the city of McMinnville. Motorists pulled over after July 1 will be issued a citation, not a warning.
According to Tennessee Code Annotated, the violation is a Class C misdemeanor subject only to fine. The first incident is $50. The third offense, or any subsequent offense, is $100. If the violation results in an accident the fine is also $100.
If the violation occurs in an active construction zone, or an active school zone where flashers are present, the fine is $200.
Lt. Prater say the law applies to any hand-held device. He said even if the driver has both hands on the wheel, but has the phone wedged between their shoulder and ear, it is still a violation.
