Put the Phone Away or Pay
UT Health Science Center Campus Police are diligent in their efforts to keep our students, staff, and faculty safe from the dangers of distracted drivers. Campus Police has joined with other national and local law enforcement agencies with the U.S. Department of Transportation’s National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s (NHTSA) high-visibility enforcement effort, April 1-8, 2024. Law enforcement officers nationwide will work together to enforce texting and distracted-driving laws. During this campaign, Campus Police Officers will be visible in their task to observe, educate and enforce distracted driver violations.
According to Tennessee’s Hands Free Law (T.C.A. § 55-8-199), it is illegal for drivers to hold a cell phone or mobile device with any part of their body. Violating Tennessee’s distracted-driving laws can be costly. Violation of this law can result in points on your driving record, along with fines. Drivers can learn more at www.HandsFreeTN.com.
Local and national statistics show that distracted driving is a leading cause of vehicle crashes on our nation’s roads and most of this distraction can be attributed to cell phone use. People know using their phone while driving is dangerous and often illegal, but they do it anyway, and put themselves and others at risk. Drivers will see increased law enforcement efforts, as officers will be stopping and ticketing anyone who is caught texting and driving.
NHTSA urges drivers to put their phones away when behind the wheel. If you are the driver, follow these steps for a safe drive:
• If you are expecting a text message or need to send one, pull over and park your car in a safe location.
• Ask your passenger to be your “designated texter.” Allow them access to your phone to respond to calls or messages.
• Do not engage in social media scrolling or messaging while driving.
• Cell phone use is habit-forming. Struggling to not text and drive? Activate your phone’s “Do Not Disturb” feature, silence notifications, or put your phone in the trunk, glove box, or back seat of your vehicle until you arrive at your destination.
Cell phone use while driving is dangerous and illegal. Break the cycle. Remember: Put the Phone Away or Pay. For more information, visit https://www.nhtsa.gov/campaign/distracted-driving.
Visit the following link to access distracted-driving crash data provided by Tennessee’s Integrated Traffic Analysis Network (TITAN): https://www.tn.gov/safety/stats/dashboards/distracted-driver.html.
Lt. Celia Tisby – UTHSC Campus Police