Articles Tagged: Traffic safety

On July 1, Iowa will join 30 other states in outlawing any phone use while driving that isn’t hands-free. The law was passed earlier this year, and will replace Iowa’s current rules about phone usage while driving, which law enforcement officers say were difficult to enforce, since only texting was banned.

When University of Iowa researchers surveyed first-responders in Cedar Rapids, their study published last year found no noticeable difference in response time when a road diet was in place.

Iowa will join 30 other states that passed laws making it illegal to handle a cellphone while driving, starting July 1. Iowa Gov. Kim Reynolds signed the new law Wednesday, surrounded by people who have lost loved ones to distracted driving.

Drivers in Iowa will be prohibited from operating cell phones and other devices with their hands once Reynolds signs it into law as expected

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Lobbyists for cities and traffic camera companies said the companies’ work is more efficient than government and ultimately saves taxpayers

Fewer people died in traffic crashes in Iowa in 2024 than did the year before, but the rate still is higher than seen in recent years -- as high speeds, distracted driving, lax use of seat belts and wrong-way drivers continue to pose dangers on the state’s roadways.

Also, $11.5 million in federal grants are awarded by the Governor’s Traffic Safety Bureau to state traffic safety measures.

Also, State Auditor warns Iowans to be alert of scams in wake of flooding

A new bipartisan law would regulate the technology

A new state law requires Iowa local governments to obtain a permit to continue using automated traffic enforcement cameras beyond Oct. 1

The new law does not ban traffic cameras, but does require communities to provide data-driven proof that they are needed to increase traffic safety

Bills limiting cellphone use while driving by mandating hands-free technology have been introduced in the Iowa Legislature since 2019, but all attempts at passage have been unsuccessful. More than 30 other states have passed such laws. Why won't Iowa?

Also, an Iowa Air Guard unit in Fort Dodge will close, and Gov. Reynolds joined 50-plus other governors opposing a federal proposal to shift Guard members to the U.S. Space Force

Speeding convictions in Iowa rose in 2023, but still were down about 17 percent from a decade ago -- a decline that some law enforcement officials believe isn’t due to drivers speeding any less, but rather reduced enforcement as agencies cope with staff shortages and increased workloads.