02-04-2025
Tennessee is among worst state for drivers. 'Operation hands-free' aims to curb that
Watch out, Tennessee, using a phone while driving could get you in trouble this month.
Starting April 1, the state of Tennessee is launching its "Operation Hands-Free" for the entire month of April. Officers from all major patrol divisions will aid local officials in the month-long endeavor.
The operation aims to crack down on drivers who use their phones while on the road.
Here's what to know about the initiative.
According to Tennessee's Hands-Free Law, it is illegal for drivers to hold a cell phone or mobile device with any part of their body. This month, police will take extra time to make sure drivers are not driving while distracted.
In April, the Tennessee Highway Safety Office and the Tennessee Highway Patrol will partner with TDOT, local law enforcement, and other traffic safety partners.
The goal of the project is to crack down on bad driving, which caused 7.7 crashes per 100,000 in the state last year.
While Tennessee is not the worst state for drivers, it is certainly not the best. According to ConsumerAffairs, Tennessee ranked as the No. 11 worst state for drivers.
The state has a crash score of 38.6. Per 100,000 people, Tennessee had:
7.7 crashes related to bad driving
19 total fatalities
2.5 fatalities involving DUI
3.2 fatalities involving speeding
6.3 fatalities involving positive blood alcohol content
Memphis repeats as city with worst drivers for second year in a row
Memphis ranked as the city with the worst drivers for two consecutive years, scoring 77.3 out of 100. Memphis had the highest number of crash fatalities at 36.2 per 100,000 people and fatalities involving a driver with a positive blood alcohol content in the country at 13.5 per 100,000 people.
Regarding bad driving, Memphis was also the worst city for crashes related to poor driving, with 16.5 crashes per 100,000 people. The national average is five crashes per 100,000 people.
Other Tennessee cities ranked as worst for drivers include Knoxville at No. 25, Chattanooga at No. 34, Nashville at No. 53, Clarksville at No. 93, and Murfreesboro at No. 185.
This article originally appeared on Memphis Commercial Appeal: What is 'Operation Hands Free'? Tennessee tries to curb bad driving
