MISSOURI (KOAM) — AAA Missouri, the Missouri Department of Transportation, and Cambridge Mobile Telematics announce Missouri’s Siddens Bening Hands Free Law has prevented more than 1,000 crashes since 2023.
According to Missouri AAA, distracted driving has been reduced by 5.1% helping to avoid 660 injuries, 5 fatalities, and $22 million in economic damages.
“We are encouraged to see the potential this law has to save lives on Missouri roadways,” said Angela Nelson, AAA Missouri Vice President of Public Affairs and Government Relations. “It will take a commitment from all of us to put our phones down while behind the wheel to continue to reduce crashes and drive down fatalities.”
AAA says Missouri was the 28th state to introduce hands-free legislation. Drivers can begin receiving citations under the law beginning January 1, 2025.
Hands Free Missouri Law Final Version
Missouri’s Hands-Free Law
Under the Siddens Bening Hands Free Law , drivers shall not:
- Hold or support a cell phone or other wireless device while driving
- Manually type, write, send, or read any text-based messages on an electronic communication device
- Watch, record, post, send or broadcast a video or movie, including video calls and social media posts