Jennifer Lamb Neldon is all for safe and alert drivers.

In 2023, she lost her daughter, Grace, in a head-on collision, on Missouri Highway 79, as the driver of the other vehicle was texting at the time. She says that such incidents involving distracted and impaired driving are “preventable” if people stay focused on the road.

Beginning the first day of the new year, the Siddons Bening Hands-Free Law, prohibiting the use of handheld devices while driving becomes enforceable in the state.

Missouri joins a majority of states that already have the law in place banning cell phones — meaning drivers are not allowed to support or hold a cell phone with any part of their body. Additionally, no calling, texting, recording, sending or broadcasting video is allowed. The point is to reinforce that safety is the number one priority when operating a vehicle.

“Hands free is what it’s about,” said Troy Police Chief Jeff Taylor. “It’s really a distraction. There are a lot of people that have wrecks

see FREE page 3 because they’re on a cell phone and not paying attention.”

The law has been in effect since last year to help spread the word. But any ticketing deferment ends Jan. 1. According to Terry Foster, Moscow Mills Police Chief, the new hands free law is secondary, noting that citations can only be given after a driver has been pulled over for a primary violation such as speeding.

“Missouri residents have had about 16 months of warning time prior to being able to be cited for this law, so hopefully it has already had some effect and will continue to be effective,” he said. “In order for it to be truly effective, I think it is imperative that there be a three-pronged approach to this, like they have done with drunk driving and seatbelt usage. This includes enforcement of the law, vigorous public education campaigns, and the use of new technology in vehicles.”

According to the Missouri Coalition for Roadway Safety, distracted driving can involve anything that causes the driver to shift focus from the roadway. Examples of distracted driving can include talking to others, cell phone use, applying cosmetics, eating, drinking, and daydreaming. In 2023, per the coalition, there were 106 distracted driving fatalities in the state. From 2013-2022, per the Missouri Department of Transportation, there were close to 200,000 distracted driving crashes in the state, causing 800 deaths.

“This law gives us a tool to tackle one of the most common dangerous distractions. When drivers keep their hands on the wheel and their focus on the road, everyone is safer,” said Lincoln County Sheriff Rick Harrell. “ We’ll use social media and school programs to get the word out. Of course, enforcement will also play a big role and deputies will be watching for violations. But our goal isn’t to write tickets — it’s to keep people safe.”