Hands free law is lowering crashes in Missouri

(KBSI) – Prom and graduation season is approaching. It is a fun time for families and teens. Lots of planning goes into graduation gowns or prom tuxes. Some other planning you may want to add to that list is a plan for getting home safely.

Studies show that teens are in the most traffic crashes around this time (April and May).

The Department of Transportation reported that roughly 840 teens between the ages of 15 and 18 were involved in motor vehicle crashes around prom and graduation time last year, 2023.

Now, Illinois State Police troopers are working to get those numbers lowered.  

“We will have extra high visibility patrols throughout the state as well as participating in several mock prom practices so student actors as well as other individuals can get kind of a reference of what can happen whenever you drive under the influence as well as what the consequences are,” said Illinois State Trooper Duane Chappell. 

Chappell says parents should have a plan with their child before prom or graduation night.

Know where your child will be going and when they plan on leaving and who they are leaving with, and talk with them on the dangers of drinking and driving. 

“The dangers of driving under the influence of alcohol and as well as any unsafe driving habit such as speeding, and the importance of wearing a seat belt.” 

Chappell says reminding teens to put their phones down when driving is another good safety tip.

Nick Chabarria is the spokesperson for AAA. He says right now is the perfect time to remind your teen that its illegal to drive while using a cell phone.

“New data revealed by Cambridge data telematics shows that since the law took effect weve prevented about 450 distracted driving crashes.” 

The Siddens Benning hands free law started in Missouri in august of last year. The laws only been in effect for about 8 months, but Chabarria says its already made a big impact.

The handsfree law states that no one operating a motor vehicle can use a phone UNLESS they have it mounted while using voice command. You may access your phone by voice or Bluetooth but you cannot touch it. The penalty right now if caught using your phone when driving is a warning.

According to Chabarria, that will go to a 150-dollar fine starting January 1, 2025.