Distracted driving is a leading cause of motor vehicle accidents across the country and Tennessee is combating that problem with its new ‘hands free’ law that’s now in effect.
Tennessee Highway Patrol Lt. Bill Miller says he can’t speak to what local law enforcement agencies will be doing, but THP will mostly be issuing warnings to educate the public until about Labor Day.
He says the new law doesn’t prohibit drivers from communicating; they just have to keep their hands on the steering wheel and eyes on the road.
Lt. Miller says nearly every accident involves some type of distraction and this law is an opportunity for motorists to force themselves to eliminate the cell phone as a problem.
Most importantly, the law passed by the Tennessee General Assembly is meant to put drivers’ focus where it should be—on the road.
Lt. Miller is encouraging Tennesseans and those who travel to Tennessee to shop and be entertained to go to handsfreetn.com for more information on the new law.