ALDOT West Alabama Spokesman John McWilliams says the data shows it is just too dangerous and a costly mistake for so many people in Alabama.
“It is something that needs to be eliminated,” says McWilliams.
According to ALDOT, almost 7 percent of all fatalities were caused by distracted driving.
“That’s something that’s dear to our heart, and something we don’t ever want to happen again,” McWilliams says.
ALDOT is driving home the point with a public service announcement.
“And no writing messages, no recording video either,” says McWilliams.
The hands-free law doesn’t mean you have can’t have a phone conversation while driving.
“The great thing about technology is it allows you to have conversations while keeping your hands on the wheel. Bluetooth is available, headphones, anything you can do to keep your hands on the wheel is what we want you to do,” he says.
According to ALDOT derivers will be fined $50 for their first offense along with a point on there driving record. $100 will be fined on the second offense along with two points on their driving record if they violate the hands-free law within 24 months of the first offense. The third offense will set drivers back $150 with three points added to their driving record.