01-04-2025
‘Operation Hands Free' kicks off across Tennessee
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WKRN) — On Tuesday, law enforcement agencies across the state launch 'Operation Hands Free' and focus on enforcing Tennessee's distracted driving laws.
The initiative kicks off National Distracted Driving Awareness Month, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. As such, the Tennessee Highway Patrol, the Tennessee Highway Safety Office, the Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security and the Tennessee Department of Transportation will focus on distracted driving.
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According to data from Tennessee's Integrated Traffic Analysis Network, from February 1, 2024 through January 31 of this year, a crash involving a distracted driver happened once every 42 minutes and 51 seconds. During that same time period, one in every 25 drivers involved in a crash was distracted — that driver was frequently a man.
State law makes it illegal for drivers to:
Hold a cell phone or mobile device with any part of your body
Read, write or send any text-based communication
Reach for a cell phone or mobile device in such a way that you are no longer in a seate d driving position or properly restrained in a seat belt
Watch a video or movie on a cell phone or mobile device
Record a broadcast video on a cell phone or mobile device
JANUARY 2024: Harsher penalties for teens texting and driving now in effect in TN
First time offenders could expect to pay $50; the fine doubles for any third-time offense or higher or if the violation leads to a crash. The fine also increases to $200 if the violation happens in a work zone with workers present or in a marked school zone with flashing lights. Last year, the Eddie Conrad Law went into effect, meaning any teenage driver caught distracted more than once would receive seven points on their driving record.
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