Tennessee’s Hands-free law may come with harsher penalties if a new bill proposed by some Lawmakers becomes law.
It will establish a number of points that may be charged to a person’s driving record after two or more violations of the Hands Free Law.
Lawmakers say adding more consequences to distracted driving will help save lives.
Currently, for the first violation of the Hands Free Law, you can receive a fine of up to $50. With this proposed bill, drivers that accumulate 12 or more points on their driving record within any 12-month period could lose their driving privileges for a period of six to 12 months if they don’t request a hearing.
The Knox County Health Department released the 2022 Knox County High School Youth Risk Behavior Survey (YRBS), which is designed to track behaviors that negatively affect the physical and mental health of high schoolers. The survey, which is also conducted on a state and nationwide level, focuses on issues such as self-harm and violence, tobacco use, alcohol and other drug use, and weight control and diet. The full report can be found here.
“As one of only a few counties who conduct their own YRBS, we know how important it is to get a glimpse into the major health concerns that affect students in our community,” said KCHD Senior Director Kevin Parton. “With the information from this report, we, along with our partners, can assess current efforts and better determine the resources that students and their families need.”
Several of the findings included in the analysis reflect improving outcomes, such as declines in cigarette smoking, alcohol consumption, and riding in a vehicle without a seatbelt. However, several of the findings are concerning, especially regarding physical activity, feelings of sadness of hopelessness, and illegal drug use. Several of these key findings can be found in the YRBS “At A Glance”, attached to this media release.
“Supporting the social and emotional well-being of students is an essential part of our work, and this report provides important insight into some of the challenges they face,” said Jason Myers, Assistant Superintendent of Student Success for Knox County Schools.
The 2022 Knox County YRBS was administered in March 2022 and included a sample of ninth through 12th grade students in Knox County Schools. This report is a joint effort between KCHD and Knox County Schools, with support from the Metro Drug Coalition. The YRBS is designed to assist local agencies in planning and policy formation to improve overall health in the county, especially the health of adolescents.
The 2023 Knox County YRBS will be based on input from middle school students; these two age groups are assessed in alternate years.
Knoxville Police are investigating a fatal shooting in West Knoxville.
Officers responding to Badgett Drive near Goins Drive last night (Tuesday) and found 21 year-old Rahleik Garcia, of Johnson City suffering from at least one gunshot wound, he was pronounced dead at the scene.
Police believe there are multiple possible suspects who ran from the scene.
Anyone with information is asked to contact East Tennessee Valley Crime Stoppers at 865-215-7165.
A suspect wanted in a deadly shooting on Hawkins Road in Sweetwater is taken into custody.
The 26 year-old suspect was arrested last night by the Monroe County Sheriff’s Office and US Marshal’s Smokey Mountain Fugitive Task Force.
He is facing three counts of attempted first degree murder, attempted aggravated burglary, aggravated assault, reckless endangerment, the use of firearm during a dangerous felony.
MCSO says there were five victims in Tuesday’s shooting, including a child.
Original Story: One person is dead, a suspect at large being sought by police who are investigating following a multiple shooting in Sweetwater.
Multiple agencies are assisting Monroe County Sheriff’s Office deputies in the deadly shooting that happened yesterday afternoon (Tuesday) on Hawkins Road. Authorities are looking for 26 year-old Liu Huerta who is still at large. He has multiple facial tattoos including a heart between the eyebrows.
He may be driving a white 2014 Nissan Altima with a Tennessee tag with tinted windows and a broken drivers side tail lamp.
Anyone with information is asked to contact the Monroe County Sheriff’s Office.
A Cocke County Jail inmate is airlifted to the University of Tennessee Medical Center after he attempted to escape.
Cocke County Sheriff C.J. Ball says 33 year-old Michael Smith was in Sessions Court with six other inmates and got up from the bench “numerous times” to get a tissue yesterday (Monday) afternoon and jumped out the open window.
He fell two stories and landed on his back. He got up and started to run but stopped when he saw a police officer. He did not suffer serious injuries.
The Tennessee Bureau of Investigation issuing a Silver Alert on behalf of the Sevierville Police Department.
74 year-old Carl Palmer has a condition that may impair his ability to return safely without assistance. He may be driving in a green Ford Taurus with a TN tag and a missing passenger side window.
You are asked to call Sevierville Police or 1-800-TBI-FIND if you have any information.
The Loudon County Sheriff’s Office and the Tennessee Highway Patrol are investigating a crash on Interstate 75 South.
Crews are working a crash involving six vehicles, minor injuries are reported from at least one of the cars involved. It happened near Sugarlimb Road near mile marker 76.
