Huntsville’s Hands-Free Ordinance: One Month in Review

Overview of the New Law

In Huntsville, Alabama, a new hands-free driving ordinance went into effect a month ago, aiming to reduce accidents caused by distracted driving. With this law in place, drivers are prohibited from using mobile devices while operating a vehicle, except for hands-free options.

Tickets Issued

As the month comes to a close, data from Huntsville’s police department reveals that a total of 40 drivers were stopped for violating the ordinance. Out of these stops:

• 11 drivers received a warning.
• 29 drivers were issued a ticket, each facing a fine of $50.

Public Reaction

The community’s response to the hands-free law has been mixed. Some residents, like Joe Lemery, express strong support. Lemery shared his personal experiences of being involved in two incidents caused by distracted drivers, stating, “I’m all for the law.”

Others, such as Ryan Burt, have different viewpoints. As a motorcycle rider, Burt has encountered numerous drivers using their phones, emphasizing the dangers of distracted driving. He remarked, “Going down 565 every morning and afternoon, there are lots of people on their phone.”

Job-Related Concerns

While many understand the purpose of the law, some believe it complicates their work-related phone use. Burt mentioned, “There are two ways to go about that. You can either pull over to answer your phone or tell your boss that you’re driving… that’s a law, I’m not going to break a law for my job.”

Looking Ahead

With only a month’s worth of data, it remains to be seen how effective the ordinance will be in the long run. Some residents are optimistic, suggesting that as awareness grows, the number of tickets issued may decrease. Burt stated, “I think with a new law like this, people will adjust and the ticket rate will drop significantly.”

Conclusion

As Huntsville continues to adjust to its hands-free ordinance, the hope is that the law not only results in fewer tickets but also leads to safer roads for all residents. The impact of this regulation will become clearer in the months ahead as the community adapts to its implementation.