Pressure continues for hands-free law in Iowa

DES MOINES, Iowa — The Iowa Bicycle Coalition continues pushing for a hands-free driving law in Iowa.

The Governor’s Traffic Safety Bureau and Iowa State Patrol collaborated at the Iowa State Fair to conduct surveys on cell phone use while driving. The survey concluded that over 1,300 Iowans, from almost every county, revealed significant worries about distracted driving.

Nearly 85 percent of Iowans support hands-free phone legislation in Iowa, however despite repeated attempts, the law keeps failing. Since 2019, the proposed bill has been put before the Iowa Legislature and been rebuffed.

“We know Iowans support critical hands-free legislation to prevent distracted driving on our streets,” said Luke Hoffman Executive Director of the Iowa Bicycle Coalition. “It’s time for the legislature to equip law enforcement with the tools they need by passing hands-free this coming legislative session. We will not rest until our elected leaders take action on this issue.”

Over 90 percent of people surveyed said distracted driving is dangerous, but half admitted to distracted driving on occasion.

In March, the Cambridge Mobile Telematics, “The State of US Road Risk in 2024”, projected that a 10 percent reduction of distracted driving could prevent around 1,263 crashes, 708 injuries, 6 deaths, and $50 million in damages.

“We know this law would save lives, protect drivers, and improve safe, shared roadways for all Iowans,” said Hoffman. “It’s the seatbelt law of our generation and it’s the most common-sense public-safety law we could pass.”

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