DES MOINES, Iowa — For the second consecutive year, the Governor’s Traffic Safety Bureau (GTSB) and Iowa State Patrol collaborated at the Iowa State Fair to survey attendees on cell phone use while driving.
The survey, conducted with more than 1,300 Iowans from nearly every county, revealed significant concerns about distracted driving.
Despite half of respondents admitting to at least sometimes driving with a cell phone in hand, more than 90% said the behavior is extremely dangerous.
“Law enforcement already know cell phone use behind the wheel is dangerous, it’s affirming to hear Iowa drivers feel the same,” says Sergeant Dinkla with the Iowa State Patrol. “It’s frustrating that despite the perceived danger, so many drivers admit to doing it.”
A March report by Cambridge Mobile Telematics entitled, “The State of U.S. Road Risk in 2024,” projected a modest 10% reduction in distracted driving in Iowa would prevent up to 1,263 crashes, 708 injuries and six deaths and save Iowans more than $50 million in economic damage.
Almost 85% of Iowans surveyed supported legislation mandating hands-free phone use. Despite repeated attempts since 2019, proposed bills for hands-free driving legislation have failed in the Iowa Legislature.
The GTSB uses federal funds to work with city, county, state and local organizations to develop and implement strategies to reduce death and injury on Iowa roads.
