Distracted Driving Remains a Top Concern as Tennessee Tightens Hands-Free Law Enforcement

Distracted driving continues to be a leading cause of serious car accidents across Tennessee, and the problem shows no signs of abating, according to Patterson Bray PLLC, a Brentwood-based law firm representing injury victims throughout Middle Tennessee. The firm is drawing attention to the issue as Tennessee’s Hands-Free Law enters a new phase of enforcement, particularly impacting drivers in fast-growing Williamson County.

State data reveals that between February 2025 and January 2026, a distracted driver caused a crash in Tennessee approximately every 44 minutes. For drivers in Brentwood—a community shaped by busy commuter routes, school zones, and heavy Nashville-bound traffic—this translates into real risk on familiar roads.

‘Distracted driving has become one of the most common causes behind the cases we see,’ said Chris Patterson, Managing Partner at Patterson Bray PLLC. ‘A driver glancing at a text or scrolling through a playlist for just a few seconds can change a family’s life forever. Tennessee’s Hands-Free Law exists for a reason, and we’re glad to see the state strengthening enforcement.’

Tennessee’s Hands-Free Law, in effect since 2019, prohibits drivers from holding a phone or mobile device while driving. Violations add points to a driver’s license. A recent update, effective January 1, 2026, imposes an additional $5 administrative fee, bringing the total cost of a single violation to $65.

Enforcement has also intensified. In April 2026, the state relaunched its ‘Operation Hands Free’ initiative for National Distracted Driving Awareness Month, deploying extra patrols across Tennessee roadways to catch distracted drivers.

However, no law or patrol can undo the damage once a crash occurs. Drivers injured by a distracted motorist have legal options, but time is limited. Tennessee follows a modified comparative fault rule, allowing injured drivers to recover compensation as long as they bear less than 50% of the fault. The state’s one-year statute of limitations gives personal injury victims a narrow window to file a lawsuit.

Patterson Bray PLLC offers free consultations to anyone hurt in a distracted driving crash in Brentwood or surrounding communities. The firm’s attorneys manage every part of the claims process, allowing clients to focus on recovery while dealing with medical bills, missed work, and insurance adjusters.

For more information about the firm’s Brentwood car accident lawyers, interested individuals can contact Patterson Bray PLLC to schedule a free consultation.

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