Legislation sponsored by Rep. John Holsclaw (r-Elizabethton) aimed at curbing distracted driving passed its first hurdle within the Tennessee General Assembly after receiving the approval of the House Transportation Subcommittee.
Tennessee already has laws on the books banning texting while driving, but under the new legislation drivers would be required to use a hands-free device or set their phones to hands-free mode while operating a motor vehicle.
Rep. Holsclaw said, "Independent surveys conducted across Tennessee show an overwhelming majority of Tennesseans support this bill and agree that it is a necessary step to curb distracted driving.
"Currently, 14 states and Washington, D.C. have passed similar pieces of legislation to reduce distracted driving. Also, federal law has required this for all commercial drivers since 2011.
"Right now in Tennessee, adults can still hold their phones and drive at the same time, as long as they are not texting or emailing. However, law enforcement officials have said it is almost impossible to enforce the texting ban since drivers can still lawfully hold a cellphone while driving.
"In 2015 alone, 1,336 car crashes in Tennessee were attributed to distracted driving due to cellphone usage.
“I would like to sincerely thank all of the members of the House Transportation Subcommittee for joining me in support of this legislation today. I believe it is vitally important for our state to take this next step in curbing distracted driving and working to save lives across the state.
”However, we cannot stop here. We still have several committees in front of us where we must receive approval before this legislation is sent to the Governor’s desk. I encourage supporters across the state to please contact their local Senators and Representatives and ask them to join us in this important fight to save lives.”