Huntsville Implements Hands Free Ordinance to Boost Road Safety
HUNTSVILLE, Ala. — Starting on July 1st, 2024, the City of Huntsville has rolled out a new Hands Free Ordinance aimed at making roads safer for everyone. This rule prohibits drivers from holding their phones while driving, and so far, it’s made quite an impact! Since the launch, the Huntsville Police Department has issued approximately 40 warnings and nearly 100 citations related to the new road regulation.
Why the Change?
With the steady growth of Huntsville and the influx of new residents, the city has seen a significant rise in traffic. This increase has unfortunately brought along a rise in distracted driving incidents. Charles Nix, who works in the Huntsville Police Department’s Traffic Services and Traffic Homicide units, explained, “With the growth of Huntsville, we’ve had a large influx of more traffic. I believe it has increased the amount of distracted driving. So, this ordinance is to help prevent more crashes in the city.”
Education Is Key
To help the community adjust to this new change, the Huntsville Police Department is focusing on education. During a recent meeting held by the Citizens Advisory Council, officials stressed the importance of informing the public about the ordinance. Council Chair Wiley Day Jr. noted, “It takes away a lot of the guessing. It takes away a lot of the assumptions when you have the actual source here to give you the information you need.”
Nix emphasized their goal is not just to penalize drivers, but to educate them: “We don’t want to just be stopping people and them not have a clue. If we can educate the public to make everybody safer, that’s our goal in the long run.”
How the Ordinance Works
As part of the ordinance, there are a few exceptions for using phones while driving, but police officers are keeping a close eye on those who might not follow the rules. Nix mentioned, “If I see you driving down the road with your phone in your hand or up to your ear, then yes, that is the time where the stop will be initiated.”
It’s vital for residents and visitors alike to understand that this ordinance only applies to Huntsville anddoesnot extend to the neighboring city of Madison. Day highlighted the need for clarity: “It’s important for people who travel through Huntsville and Madison to understand what our city ordinance is.”
Next Steps and Community Impact
While the initial results of the ordinance are in, experts are saying that it’s still too early to assess the full impact on traffic and safety. Police officials believe it could take years to fully see the effects of these new rules. “One of the reasons we want to get this information out is so that we don’t have to stop people who might be in a hurry trying to get to work for something they may not know is going on,” Nix stated.
With ongoing education and a focus on public awareness, Huntsville aims to create a community where road safety is prioritized. The hands-free ordinance is just the beginning, as city officials are committed to ensuring that everyone on the road knows the rules and stays safe.
As Huntsville continues to grow, adapting to new challenges is crucial for maintaining safety and enhancing the driving experience for all its residents. Remember, staying safe on the road is a shared responsibility!
