Des Moines, IA- The Iowa Governor’s Traffic Safety Bureau is reminding residents that April is National Distracted Driving Awareness Month.
According to a news release, from April 1st through the 8th, the GTSB is partnering with law enforcement across Iowa to curb distracted driving.
To deter multitasking while driving, the GTSB is launching a new campaign targeting overconfident drivers and reminding everyone that ” No one is a Good Distracted Driver.”
Distracted driving is a primary law in Iowa, meaning any law enforcement officer can stop any driver who is texting or using any portable electronic device unless the vehicle is at a complete stop off of the traveled portion of the road.
In 2023, in a GTSB State Fair survey of over 1,450 Iowans, 51% admitted to driving with a cell phone in their hand.
“When talking with Iowa drivers, a common sentiment is believing they can manage many things behind the wheel,” says GTSB Bureau Chief Brett Tjepkes. “During one focus group, a participant said they drive better when texting because it forces them to pay attention to the road. This is ridiculous and not true. Driving requires our full attention. The reality is, No One is a Good DISTRACTED Driver.”
Beginning on April 1st, motorists will see increased law enforcement efforts to educate those found illegally using an electronic device. To limit distractions, GTSB encourages drivers to enable the ‘driving’ focus feature on their phone and use hands-free features.
