Hands Free Law

Handheld Ban MapThe Hands Free Law is all around us, New Hampshire, Vermont, New York & Connecticut all have it.

Do you know what it means for you?

I found this information about NH from http://www.handsfreenh.com

 

 

 

No use of hand-held electronic devices capable of providing voice or data communication while driving or temporarily halted in traffic for a stop sign or traffic signal or other momentary delays

  • This includes cell phones, GPS, tablets, iPods, iPads or other devices that require data entry
  • Emergency calls to 911 or other public safety agencies will be allowed
  • Bluetooth or other hands-free electronic devices will be allowed
  • One hand non-cellular 2-way radio use will be allowed
  • Teen drivers under the age of 18 will not be allowed to use any electronic devices (hand-held or not) except to report an emergency. Anyone violating this will be subject to penalties and license suspension or revocation.
  • If your vehicle is not equipped with Bluetooth functionality, auto service centers can install after-market systems or over the ear devices can be purchased at retailers such as Staples, Best Buy or your cell phone carrier.

Why is the NH Law Important?

  • During the past 4 years, 116 fatal crashes in New Hampshire were caused by distraction
  • The increasing use of electronic devices is fast becoming the primary distraction
  • While texting, a driver is 23 times more likely to crash
  • Sending or receiving a text distracts the driver for almost 5 seconds
  • At 50 miles per hour, we travel longer than the length of a football field during that 5 seconds
  • Even dialing a phone number increases the risk of crashing by 3 times

There is also a lot of information about Massachusetts Highway Safety at    http://www.ghsa.org/html/stateinfo/bystate/ma.html