The Tennessee Highway Patrol reports that drivers have responded well to the new hands free law.
THP Captain R.C. Christian said the Cookeville District has issued 36 citations since the law went into effect July 1.
“Our goal is to educate, and that’s really what we are trying to do these first two month into this,” Christian said. “I think the public has been very receptive of it, and have tried to change their habits when it comes to utilizing cell phones and other things that distract them while they’re driving.”
The 36-citations does not include the number of warnings handed out to drivers across the Upper Cumberland. In comparison, the Cookeville Police Department has issued 66-citations for hands free first offense violations.
“52 of the 66 citations were warnings. The 14 regular citations were court summons,” CPD Captain Bobby Anderson said. “A driver, if contesting the citation, can appear in court and have the case heard before a judge. Otherwise, the driver can pay the fine prior to court, which is pleading guilty to the citation.”
Christian and Anderson both agreed that efforts to educate the public has helped residents understand the importance of the new law.
“Like I said from the beginning, Our goal is to help people understand how this new law affects them, ” Christian said. “It’s definitely a work in progress. We don’t have a bunch of heroes, just a bunch of people working and trying to make a difference. I think this is truly an effective way of doing so.”
The state has seen a 65-percent decrease in distracted driving crashes over the past year, Christian said. He’s hoping the new law will help continue that decline.
Governor Bill Lee officially signed House Bill 0164 into law in late-May after it passed both the State House and Senate. The law prevents drivers citizens from holding a cell phone or mobile device with their hands while driving.
