NASHVILLE, Tenn. – A proposed law would make it illegal to use your cell phone while driving in Tennessee unless it’s hands-free.
State Representative John Holsclaw, a Republican from Elizabethton, says he plans on introducing the bill at the next legislative session, according to WKRN News 2.
Right now, Tennessee leads the nation for the most fatal crashes caused by cell phone use. The state ranks higher than California and Texas combined, according to the National Security Council.
Holsclaw is currently examining ways to use the money collected from the new law to fund drivers education courses for high schoolers or possible other drivers safety programs.
“My intent with proposing this legislation is to save lives and make our roads safer for your family and mine,” he said.
The National Security Council released data that shows distracted driving kills almost as many people as drunk driving.
Their data also shows that hands-free usage is as detrimental to driving as putting your cell phone to your ear.
The Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security reported that so far in 2015 there have been two deaths and 57 incapacitating injuries due to cell phone usage while driving.