Largely regarded as a commuter school, UMKC should feel the effects of the new Siddens Bening Hands-off Law, Missouri’s effort to reduce distracted driving making it illegal to use electronic devices while driving,
Starting Jan. 2025, law enforcement can offer citations for violations, but fines begin at $150 for a first offense, $250 for a second offense, and $500 for a third within two years.
Missouri Coalition for Roadway Safety reports from 2019 to 2023 there have been 414 fatalities from distracted driving.
Stacy Downs, director of strategic communications, affirmed that the UMKC Police Department will ticket regardless of the state showing on the license plate, but cannot pull people over solely for holding a phone.
Ernest Apollon is a sophomore majoring in information and technology with a thirty-minute daily commute.
“My drive is mindless now, so while I know it’s a bad habit, I’ve started to check my phone,” said Apollon.
Texting, calling, conferences, or anything that hasn’t been connected to the vehicle beforehand, can create an opportunity for fines if a phone is in hand.
Political science major Robin Jones, spends thirty minutes driving to UMKC, depending on the traffic.
“I have a folder on my phone to look through before my drive, so I don’t have to pick it up. I have to be cautious because you never know what others are doing,” said Jones.
The best way to avoid these fines is to keep your phone in a stand, or stowed away while connected to the vehicle.
Some students recommended locating a route on Maps and queueing music before hitting the road.
In transit, it’s okay if you’re struggling to get Siri to understand you or voice-to-talk to work. Ask a passenger for help or hold that thought.
