A new House Bill banning the use of handheld mobile devices while driving is on its way to the desk of Gov. Bill Lee today and he is expected to sign it without reservations. The new law will require drivers to free-up their hands or face a $50 fine.
While many Tennesseans support the move, it leaves countless drivers wondering what to do with their hands once they can no longer text or make calls while behind the wheel.
Local Uber driver, Steve Douglas, said, “I’m not sure what to do. I guess I’ll just buy an extra cup of coffee to drive around with every day.” Another driver said he planned to dust off his old typewriter and pack some magazines to read. Still another planned to bring along a sock puppet or possibly some free weights.
Other drivers are taking a different tact. An anonymous source shared a link to a private Facebook group where Tennessee drivers are already sharing ideas on how to beat the system. One user suggested simply tinting windows to 100%. Another entrepreneur was selling realistic-looking skin-toned driving gloves with a compartment to hide your phone while making calls.
One Nashville driver expressed her frustration via Twitter, “Real smart, TN! You tell us to stop holding our phones but not how to fill the void. Stupidest state ever.”
The Inquisitor has reached out to the TN Department of Safety to see if further instructions will be provided to assist drivers with this transition. They have not returned our calls.