KZRG helps Joplin community pair Bluetooth amid Missouri’s new hands-free driving law
Missouri’s new distracted driving law, which bans using or even holding your cellphone while driving, went into effect on Monday.
Now, if you want to text or talk on the phone while driving you’ll have to do it hands-free. The new law says Missouri drivers are not allowed to hold phones, send or read text messages, watch videos or make calls while behind the wheel. However, hands-free phone use is still allowed.
In order to help the Joplin community comply with this new hands-free law members of the Newstalk KZRG news team spent the week helping people pair their Bluetooth capable devices to their vehicles.
Morning Newswatch Newscaster Steve Scott said, “It’s heartwarming to be able to help people during this change. I’ve been pairing Bluetooth capable cellphones to cars for the last couple of years now, mostly for my loving wife, but I never thought I’d be able to use these skills to help others and potentially save lives.”
Dozens of people came to Zimmer Marketing’s headquarters throughout the week seeking assistance in pairing their Bluetooth device.
“Seeing Steve Scott utilize his Bluetooth expertise to help keep drivers safe was incredibly inspiring. I always knew he was tech savvy but I had no idea he knew the ins and outs of pairing that well. I was shocked.” Newstalk KZRG’s Ted Bojorquez noted.
Missouri drivers will now be receiving warnings if caught using their phone while driving. But starting in 2025, officers will begin issuing citations. Fines will start at $150 and go up to $500 for multiple violations.
When asked if the news team felt their contribution made a difference Steve Scott said, “I’m not sure. But I hope so. There are enough accidents on the road as is, we don’t need more caused by distracted driving.”
Ted Bojorquez said, “I don’t know if we made a wide reaching difference but I think we made a very deep difference for the few people we were able to help. One thing I do know is that next Thursday while I’m having fun at Steve’s family game night I’ll be looking back fondly at the work we did this week.”
