Hands-free driving bill gets the green light from the Iowa Senate
A bill that would make it illegal to use a cellphone while driving, unless it's in a hands-free or voice-activated mode, advanced through the Iowa Senate Tuesday
A bill that would make it illegal to use a cellphone while driving, unless it's in a hands-free or voice-activated mode, advanced through the Iowa Senate Tuesday
A bill that would make it illegal to use a cellphone while driving, unless it's in a hands-free or voice-activated mode, advanced through the Iowa Senate Tuesday
Hands-free driving legislation is one step closer to becoming law after nearly every member of the Iowa Senate voted to advance the bill during floor debate Tuesday morning.
would prohibit the use of cellphones while driving, unless it is in a hands-free or voice-activated mode.
The bill would expand the 2017 legislation that banned texting while driving but allowed other forms of cellphone use. Despite being introduced in the legislature for years, the bill has never garnered enough support to reach the governor's desk.
Sen. Mark Lofgren, R-Muscatine, led the bill through the Iowa Senate. During floor debate Tuesday, he said he has a deal with the Iowa House and expects it to pass there as well.
If it passes through the House as well, SF 22 would go to the governor's desk to be signed into law. Governor Reynolds has called on lawmakers to pass the measure this session.
"For the sake of all our loved ones on the road, let's finally pass legislation that requires drivers to keep their eyes on the road and away from their phones," Reynolds said during her annual Condition of the State address.
The bill has received widespread support from law enforcement organizations across Iowa, who cite data from the Iowa Department of Transportation showing an increase in crashes caused by distracted drivers.
When the bill was first introduced in January, Waukee Police Chief Chad McClusky, told vlog that similar laws in other states have seen success.
"Minnesota, I believe it was passed a similar law the first year they saw a 30% reduction in traffic crashes," McClusky said. He added, "Illinois passed a similar law. First year, they saw a 22% reduction in traffic crashes."
If passed, people who hold or touch their cellphone while driving could face a $100 fine. The fine would be more expensive if the distracted driving results in a serious injury or death.
