Large number of Missourians unaware of hands-free driving law

Apr. 12—Despite a reported decrease in distracted driving rates since its enactment, a study conducted by AAA shows that 58% of Missourians are unaware of a hands-free law that passed in August 2023.

The Siddens Bening Hands Free Law prohibits drivers from using, handling or holding their phones while driving. The goal is to prevent crashes stemming from distracted driving and overall make the roads safer.

Nick Chabarria, public relations specialist with AAA, said AAA is trying to get the word out about this law. But for most, unless they're told by loved ones or pay close attention to the news, it's easy to go unnoticed.

"We've, of course, been trying to run educational campaigns to get the word out through the media and different events," Chabarria said.

Many people are used to using their phones while driving for navigation or music, but AAA wants to break the habit.

"With Missouri's previous lax distracted driving law, a lot of drivers got into some pretty bad and dangerous habits of using their phone when behind the wheel," he said. "You know, those habits are hard to break."

AAA says that in 2023, more than 100 people were killed because of distracted drivers. However, since the Siddens Benings law was implemented Cambridge Mobile Telematics found that cell phone use decreased by 7.8% in Missouri.

"They estimate that's prevented 450 crashes, saved two lives and prevented or reduced economic damages by about $18 million," Chabarria said.

When it comes to enforcement, officers are giving unaware drivers a grace period to allow the public to learn about the law. But starting January 2025, penalties will begin.

"Fines for those for your first conviction start at up to $150 and then they increase from there. If you have repeat offenses, the law also has specified misdemeanor or felony charges if there's damage, serious injury or fatality caused by distracted drivers," Chabarria said.

St. Joseph residents Nathaniel Raines and Keifer Noland both were unaware of the Siddens Bening Hands Free Law but agree distracted driving should be a thing of the past.

"I don't use my phone while driving," Raines said.

"I feel like you shouldn't do it anyway," Noland said.

Noland said that he's lost loved ones due to distracted driving, which makes him pay extra close attention to everyone else's driving habits.

"There's no need to. I mean they got a whole monitor (in the car)," he said.

Raines said he believes the best way to eliminate distracted driving is to raise awareness among young people.

"Make sure (to) be a good example. Don't do it on your phone while your kids are there and put it through their heads before they get their license," he said. "I don't think you should get a ticket for being on your phone, but I mean, I think ... If you get in a wreck, insurance should (have) some type of punishment."

With the Siddens Bening law, Missourians can use Bluetooth or voice features to operate their phone.

"Really, the crux of the law is that you cannot hold it in your hand or support it, you know, in your lap while you're driving ... In general, hands-free phone use is still permitted for things like navigation, hands-free phone calls and utilizing your music," Chabarria said.

AAA will also be hosting a Siddens Bening Hands Free Law awareness event on Tuesday, April 16 at 11 a.m.

Hosted at the Missouri State Capitol, the event will feature representatives from the Missouri Department of Transportation, Missouri State Highway Patrol, the Hands-Free Missouri coalition and victim advocates Adrienne Siddens and Stephany Bening.