NASHVILLE — State Representative John Holsclaw (R-Elizabethton) today promoted the success of House Bill 164 which addresses distracted driving in communities across our state.

The measure expands the offense of holding cellphones while driving from school zones to statewide implementation. The overall goal of the initiative is to improve public safety by reducing instances of distracted driving.

Tennessee currently ranks first in distracted driving deaths, and the number of deaths caused by distracted driving in our state is five times higher than our national average. However, since this legislation was implemented in July, the number of car crashes and fatal crashes has decreased.

“In just over two months, this legislation has already led to a decrease in distracted driving deaths,” said Representative Holsclaw. “I am pleased Governor Lee has signed this bill into law as it will help save lives and keep our communities safe.”

House Bill 164 passed the General Assembly with bipartisan support and was signed into law by Governor Bill Lee. This life-saving measure was implemented on July 1, 2019, and according to news reports, law enforcement officials are cracking down after granting a grace period through the recent Labor Day Weekend.

For more information on this legislation, please go to http://www.capitol.tn.gov/Bills/111/Bill/HB0164.pdf.

John Holsclaw represents House District 4. He is the Chairman of the House Employee Affairs Subcommittee. Representative Holsclaw also serves on the Consumer and Human Resources Committee, Agriculture and Natural Resources Committee, Commerce Committee, and the Business Subcommittee.