April is known as National Distracted Driving Awareness Month, and over the next couple of weeks, drivers will see increased law enforcement efforts to promote and educate the public on the dangers of distracted driving. The Governor’s Traffic Safety Bureau (GTSB) is teaming up with local law enforcement agencies across the state to deter multitasking driving with the new campaign: No One is a Good DISTRACTED Driver. In Iowa, it is against the law for anyone behind the wheel to be texting, reading, writing, or using any portable electronic device unless the vehicle is at a complete stop off of the traveled portion of the road. Law enforcement has seen an increase of issued citations for illegal use of electronics from 1,438 in 20222 to over 9,000 in 2023, and the GTSB State Fair survey reported that 51% of 1,450 Iowans admit to always or sometimes driving with a cell phone in hand, that translates to over 1.2 million distracted drivers in Iowa. GTSB Bureau Chief Brett Tjepkes says, “When talking with Iowa drivers, a common sentiment is believing they can manage many things behind the wheel. During a 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 campaign kickoff will begin on Monday, April 1, and continue for a whole week until April 8.
