Distracted driving causes many vehicle accidents which result in serious injuries and deaths. These injuries can leave people permanently disabled. Home modifications by a Certified Aging-in-Place Specialist (CAPS) can help people who are disabled from a vehicle accident.

The Tennessee Hands Free Law for driving a vehicle became effective Monday, July 1, 2019. This law can be enforced by local law enforcement agencies and the Tennessee Highway Patrol.

The Hands Free Law makes it illegal for a driver in TN to:

1. hold a cellphone or mobile device with any part of their body;

2. write, send or read any text-based communication;

3. reach for a cellphone or mobile device in a manner that requires the driver to no longer be in a seated driving position or properly restrained by a seat belt;

4. watch a video or movie on a cellphone or mobile device;

5. record or broadcast video on a cellphone or mobile device.

The fine for a first-time offense is $50. The fine goes to $100 for a third offense or higher, or if a violation results in a car crash. The fine is $200 if a violation occurs in a work zone while workers are present or in a marked school zone while flashers are in operation.

Hopefully this new law will reduce the number of injuries and deaths from distracted driving. People who use their phones while driving are selfishly putting the health and well-being of others at risk. I strongly encourage full enforcement of the new Tennessee Hands Free Law .

If you or someone you know has been injured in a vehicle accident, regardless of the cause, please call Richard Acree at 615-752-0060 to discuss your needs for home modifications to accommodate the injuries. For more information about the services Richard provides please see Residential Accessibility.

If you observe a building that is not ADA compliant and you would like to know how to proceed, please see the link at What To Do When A Building Is Not ADA Compliant or Accessible.

ADA Inspections Nationwide, LLC, offers ADA/ABA/FHA accessibility compliance inspections for buildings and facilities, as applicable to the different laws, and expert witness services with respect to ADA/ABA/FHA laws for building owners, tenants and managers. Also, ADAIN offers consulting for home modifications as a CAPS consultant for people wishing to age in place in their homes. For a complete list of services please see ADAIN Services.

Thank you.