In a landmark decision, the Montana Senate approved a proposal to address distracted driving on state roadways, making Montana the final state to adopt distracted driving laws. Sponsored by Sen. Sara Novak, the bill, known as “Chloe’s Law,” prohibits holding or using mobile devices while driving and encourages the use of hands-free technology. The legislation was inspired by the tragic death of Chloe Worl, who was killed by a distracted driver in March 2021.
Under the bill, fines for violations range from $75 to $149 for a first offense and increase to a minimum of $150 for subsequent offenses. The bill passed the Senate with a vote of 33-17 after an emotional debate that included testimony from Chloe’s mother, Connie Worl.
While some senators raised concerns about local control, racial profiling, and potential impact on county courts, proponents of the bill highlighted the need to address the dangers of distracted driving. The Montana Department of Transportation supported the bill, surprising its sponsor, Sen. Novak.
The bill’s passage marks a significant step in promoting road safety and reducing accidents caused by distractions. With distracted driving accounting for 58% of crashes in the U.S., the implementation of “Chloe’s Law” aims to protect drivers and prevent future tragedies on Montana roadways.
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