Missouri’s hands-free law already seeing positive results statewide

By Jazmine Knight

A distracted driving law is already making significant changes in the way Missourians drive only a year after going into effect.

In just a year, the Siddens Bening Hand Free Driving Law has prevented over 1,000 crashes since its enactment in August of 2023.

Siddens Bening prohibits drivers from holding their phone when they’re behind the wheel.

“This law was very much needed,” said Nick Chabarria, spokesperson with AAA. “(Siddens Bening) improves Missouri’s previous law, which only applied to texting specifically and only applied to drivers younger than 21.”

However, according to Chabarria, a vast majority of crashes that happen are caused by cell phone usage of drivers 21 and above.

He said this distracted driving law is a more comprehensive approach aimed to teach drivers about the dangers of cell phone usage while driving.

In a partnership with Cambridge Mobile Telematics, a AAA study shows that this law has decreased phone usage by 5.1%.

“That 5% reduction has resulted in 660 fewer injuries on our roadways from crashes and most importantly, saved five lives,” Chabarria said.

Additionally, Siddens Bening has helped prevent about $22 million in economic damages.

Since the law took effect back in August, law enforcement officers have been in an educational grace period. This means officers are encouraged to inform drivers about the hands-free law instead of issuing a ticket. However, that grace period expires on Jan. 1, 2025.

“Citations are fairly steep. the first, violation, that occurs, it’ll be a $150 fine. And then that can go up if you have repeat convictions within a two-year period,” Chabarria said.

With fines potentially reaching up to $500, many drivers said they were unaware of the new law.

“They were surprised it wasn’t already the law,” Chabarria said.

Chabarria said the Missouri State Highway Patrol has issued about 1,000 warnings for the Siddens Bening Law.

“We’re doing outreach as well so we’re hoping the word’s getting out,” he said.

Alternatively, AAA suggests mounting your phone, utilizing Bluetooth or wired headsets while driving.

“That’s the easiest way, that you can make sure you’re connected and compliant,” Chabarria said.