The Eddie Conrad Act, enacted in 2024, is a Tennessee law designed to combat distracted driving among drivers under 18. By imposing stricter penalties for violations of the Hands-Free Law, this legislation aims to address the growing issue of distracted driving in the state.

Does Tennessee have a distracted driving problem?

Yes. According to 2023 USAA data, Tennessee ranks #8 among the states with the highest number of distracted driving incidents. The other top 10 states for distracted driving include Mississippi, Louisiana, South Carolina, Alabama, North Carolina, Georgia, the District of Columbia, Arkansas, Texas, and Kentucky. Texting, eating, talking on a cell phone, and other similar distractions distract a driver’s attention from the road and are a common cause of collisions. USAA reported that distracted driving had increased approximately 13% over pre-pandemic levels.

The Tennessee Highway Patrol has found that drivers between the ages of 16 and 30 are the most likely to drive while distracted. Data from the THP indicates that an auto accident involving a distracted driver occurred approximately every 34 minutes between August 1, 2023, and July 31, 2024, in the state, and one in 19 drivers involved in a collision was distracted.

How Does the Tennessee Point System Work?

Tennessee uses a point system on driver’s licenses to audit and handle dangerous driving behavior. Different violations carry specific point values. For example, minor offenses, such as speeding one to five miles per hour over the posted limit, will result in one point, while more serious violations, like reckless driving, can add as many as eight points to a driver’s record. One distracted driving behavior, texting and driving, currently adds three points under the Tennessee Schedule of Points Values. Here are some other examples:

• Speeding 1-5 mph over limit: 1 point
• Speeding 6-15 miles per hour over the limit: 3 points
• Speeding 16-25 miles per hour over the limit: 4 points
• Speeding 26-35 miles per hour over the limit: 5 points
• Speeding 36-45 miles per hour over the limit: 6 points
• Failing to obey traffic instructions: 4 points
• Failing to yield the right-of-way: 4 points
• Making an improper turn: 4 points
• Failure to report a crash: 4 points
• Leaving the scene of a crash: 5 points
• Reckless driving: 6 points
• Violation of license or certificate restrictions: 6 points
• Failure to yield to emergency vehicles: 6 points
• Reckless endangerment by vehicle: 8 points

Tennessee’s Driver Improvement Section of the Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security managers Tennessee’s point system and administers the following consequences for point values:

• 6 points: A warning letter is issued informing the driver that another violation will result in driver’s license suspension.
• 12 points: A notice of a proposed 6-12 month suspension is issued, with options to appear in court to contest the suspension, attend the Driver Improvement Program, or take no further action and accept the suspension.

How will the Eddie Conrad Act affect Tennessee’s point system?

The Eddie Conrad Act introduces a significant change for drivers under 18. A second or subsequent violation of the Hands-Free Law for these young drivers will result in 7 points added to their driving record. This new provision exceeds the 6-point threshold that triggers mandatory participation in the Driver Improvement Program and an administrative hearing, potentially leading to a 6-12 month suspension of driving privileges.

Why is distracted driving so dangerous?

Distracted driving is particularly dangerous because it impairs a driver’s ability to safely operate a vehicle by diverting attention away from the road. Here are the main reasons why distracted driving poses such significant risks:

• Cognitive distraction: This type of distraction occurs when a driver’s mind is focused on something besides driving. Engaging in conversations, whether with passengers or through a mobile device, can significantly reduce the driver’s ability to concentrate on driving and to react to road conditions or unexpected events.
• Visual distraction: This happens when a driver’s eyes are off the road, like when looking at a smartphone or adjusting the GPS. Even a brief lapse in attention can cover a significant distance.
• Manual distraction When a driver’s hands are off the steering wheel, for instance, when eating or using a phone, it impairs their ability to maneuver the vehicle.
• Delayed reaction times: Distractions slow reaction times, which can be crucial in emergency situations.
• Increased error margin: Distracted drivers are more likely to make mistakes, such as missing traffic signals or failing to notice important cues.
• Higher accident severity: Studies show that distracted driving often results in more severe accidents due to reduced control and slower reactions.
• Widespread impact: Distracted driving doesn’t only affect the distracted driver; it also endangers passengers, other drivers, pedestrians, and cyclists.

Distracted driving is considered one of the leading causes of road accidents globally. Many jurisdictions, including Tennessee, have enacted laws specifically banning or restricting the use of mobile phones and other electronic devices while driving to combat this danger.

At Banks and Jones, our Knoxville car accident lawyers have zero tolerance for distracted driving—there is no excuse for disregarding the safety of passengers and other vehicles. We fight relentlessly to hold distracted drivers accountable for the damage they cause. If you were injured by a distracted driver, call us or fill out our contact form to schedule your free initial consultation with an experienced Tennessee personal injury attorney today.