APCIA applauds house passage of Louisiana hands-free law

The  American Property Casualty Insurance Association (APCIA) has applauded the Louisiana House of Representatives for passing HB 565, a bill to strengthen the state’s distracted driving laws, make fines and penalties more reasonable and enforceable, and strengthen search protections in a traffic stop.

“We applaud Rep. Mike Huval and the co-authors Reps. Wilford Carter, Sr. and Kyle Green, Jr. for working together over several years to draft a meaningful proposal to protect Louisiana drivers,” said Jennifer Smith, president of Stopdistractions.org. “Legislators listened to everyone’s concerns and drafted an enforceable law that achieved widespread bi-partisan support. On behalf of the families who have been impacted by distracted driving, we are pleased to see this huge step towards making the roads safer in Louisiana in honour of those that lost lives.”

HB 565 modernises the definition of mobile phone use to include all the ways phones are used while driving that can distract drivers, including posting to social media, editing pictures, and engaging in other dangerous activities behind the wheel. The legislation aims to get the phone out of the driver’s hand and place their focus back on the road.

“Strong auto safety laws and enforcement are critically important to combatting the dangers of distracted driving and so reducing crashes and saving lives,” said Lee Ann Alexander, APCIA vice president, state government relations. “This bill also includes strong consumer protections related to traffic stops and searches. We appreciate everyone’s hard work to craft this important bill, and we thank the members of the Louisiana House who passed the legislation and hope it will receive the same favourable consideration in the Senate.”

The House approved HB 565 on a vote of 77-20, and the bill is now in the Louisiana Senate for consideration.

The American Property Casualty Insurance Association (APCIA) is the primary national trade association for home, auto, and business insurers. APCIA promotes and protects the viability of private competition for the benefit of consumers and insurers, with a legacy dating back 150 years. APCIA members represent all sizes, structures, and regions—protecting families, communities, and businesses in the U.S. and across the globe.

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