Des Moines, Iowa — A bill that is sure to be popular with northwest Iowa law enforcement officers has passed the Iowa legislature, and is being sent to Governor Terry Branstad. The bill would let police pull vehicles over if they suspect the driver is texting or using a cell phone to generate video for things like Snapchat or Facebook Live.
Representative Gary Worthan is a Republican from Storm Lake who says the bill, if it becomes law, would make texting while driving a “primary” offense.
Many area law enforcement officials say they feel the current law handcuffs them and keeps them from dealing effectively with distracted drivers.
The House passed the bill Monday by an overwhelming 90-to-six vote. Representative Rick Olson, a Democrat from Des Moines, also backs the bill.
More and more accidents are being caused by drivers who drift out of their lanes and experts say the distraction of a smart phone is considered the primary reason for the trend. Governor Branstad has lobbied for a “hands free” law for drivers, but he’s indicated he’ll approve this incremental step. It will still let drivers talk on their phones or use the map “app” on their smart phones for navigation. Worthan says the hope is this new law “will accomplish about the same thing” as a “hands free” law.
Under ANOTHER bill that working its way through the legislature, texting drivers who cause wrecks that kill others on the road would be charged with vehicular homicide — just like drunk drivers involved in fatal wrecks.
