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Dear Readers –
July is upon us and I want to share two
important and noteworthy events that are
significant for you, your loved ones and our
community. The first topic is relevant to
everyone who uses a cell phone and drives
a motor vehicle in the state of Tennessee.
Did you know there was an average of
24,180 traffic crashes caused by distracted
driving between 2015 and 2017? In
order to reduce the number of
distracted-driving-related accidents and
fatalities in the state, a Tennessee bill
was recently amended and passed by
our state legislature to expand the offense
for talking on a hand-held device while
operating a motor vehicle. The original
bill TCA Title 55 initially addressed
talking on hand-held devices while driving
within a marked school zone but now
has been expanded to talking on any
hand-held device on any road, highway
or street. The code states that “it is
an offense for a person to knowingly
operate a motor vehicle on any road or
highway in the state of Tennessee and
talk on a hand-held mobile telephone
while the vehicle is in motion”.
Additionally, it is an offense for a person
under eighteen (18) years of age to
knowingly operate a motor vehicle on
any road or highway in the state and talk
on a mobile telephone that is equipped
with a hands-free device while the vehicle
is in motion. But the law does NOT
prohibit a person eighteen (18) years or
age or older from operating a motor
vehicle on any road or highway from
talking on a mobile telephone that is
equipped with a hands-free device while
the vehicle in is motion.
The violation of the code is classified as
a misdemeanor punishable only by a
fine not to exceed one hundred dollars
($100); except, that if the violation results
in an accident, the fine shall not exceed
two hundred dollars ($200.00). Keep in
mind that if you are cited for this
violation, points will be added to your
driving record which can possibly
increase your car insurance premiums.
Please note that my reading of this bill
tates establishes an effective date of
January 1, 2020, but the TN Department
of Safety and Homeland Security uses
an effective date of July 1, 2019. I would
recommend that everyone 18 and older err
on the side of caution and begin using
hands-free devices if you must use your
cell phone while driving. Better yet, set
your phone for no distractions while
driving to save money, possible points
on your license and maybe even your life
and someone else’s, too.
The second event might be hard to think
bout given we are still enjoying the summer,
but the school system is starting to gear up
for a new school year. A number of community
organizations and churches will be sponsoring
backpack drives” to assist students who
need pencils, pens, paper, and other supplies
o help students start the year prepared and
poised for success. Your donations and
support make the difference in creating
equal access to supplies for every child
and youth. Memphians are, and continue
to be, a city of generosity and giving.
Thank you for being a blessing to our
33332222 children! Have a great July! Gerre