STERLINGTON, La. (KNOE) – The Sterlington Police Department is reminding drivers of the hands-free law after they say many were seen with cell phones in school zones.
The hands-free law bans drivers in Louisiana to have any sort of mobile devices in their hands while driving in a school zone.
Cobi Brown, assistant chief of the Sterlington Police Department, said driving while operating a cell phone can lead to fatal consequences.
“Just pay attention. Drive safe when you’re coming through a school zone. We don’t want something catastrophic happening,” said Brown.
Brown said he made a social media post on Thursday, Feb. 20 to remind drivers to stay off their phones while dropping off and picking up their kids from school.
Within the last six months, the police department has written several tickets and those have led to hefty fines.
“It’s just an issue that we keep seeing, and everybody needs a reminder,” said Brown.
Brown said texting and driving in general is not only a problem statewide, but also nationwide.
“It’s a problem that’s never going to go away, but it’s definitely more of a problem in the school zones, because you’re supposed be going really slow,” said Brown.
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Commission, 3,308 people were killed in 2022 in crashes involving distracted drivers.
Brown explained it is imperative those who are driving to wait to send a text or make a call once they reach their destination.
“Whenever you’re driving, you’re taking one of the biggest responsibilities of your life into your own hands. Not only your hands, but everyone else’s hands,” said Brown.
Brown said when you approach a school zone to put the phone down, slow down and keep your eyes on the road.
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