DES MOINES, IOWA (December 10, 2024) — The Iowa Bicycle Coalition has joined with more than twenty-five organizations in a statewide campaign to advocate for a full hands-free driving law in the Iowa legislature. The End Distracted Driving Coalition, announced yesterday, is supported by organizations in various sectors representing law enforcement, healthcare, labor, business, transportation, insurance, and state agencies.

Iowa urgently needs a hands-free driving law, which would make it illegal to have a cell phone in-hand while driving.

Over the past decade, distracted driving crashes have increased by 43%, according to Iowa DOT's crash data. Similar laws in states like Michigan, Ohio, Alabama, and Minnesota have proven effective, reducing crash rates significantly. For example, Michigan saw a 10.2% drop, while Minnesota experienced over a 30% reduction in crashes (CMT US Road Safety Report 2024). In Iowa, even a 10% reduction in distracted driving would prevent 1,000 crashes, 700 injuries, and six fatalities annually according to the CMT US Road Safety Report 2024. The Coalition is calling on the legislature to take action.

Luke Hoffman, Executive Director of the Iowa Bicycle Coalition, said, “We know passing this law will save the lives of countless Iowans, plain and simple. The first order of government is to protect the people, and that's exactly what this law will do. We need lawmakers to have the courage to prioritize safety and stand with law enforcement on this issue to start saving lives.”

Unfortunately, Iowans are frequently using their devices while driving — 96% of residents report regularly seeing others driving with a cellphone in hand, according to the Governor’s Safety Traffic Bureau's annual State Fair survey. The same survey found 85% of Iowans support a hands-free driving law. It is time for Iowa to join 30 other states in adopting this crucial roadway safety measure.

The distracted driving issue is personal to Hoffman. In June, Hoffman was hit while on his bike by a distracted driver while on a RAGBRAI Route Safety Inspection Ride 19 miles outside of Knoxville. While he was largely unharmed, he is one of the lucky ones. Hoffman says, “I feel a strong moral obligation to advocate for the safety of those less fortunate than I was, who have been the victims of similar incidents due to distracted driving. Too many times, I have heard stories from family members of people who have been killed by distracted driving. If we want Iowa to be the best place to live, work, and play, we must end this safety epidemic now.”

About the End Distracted Driving Iowa Coalition

The End Distracted Driving Iowa Coalition is a statewide group of more than 25 organizations, including representatives from the law enforcement, business, health-care, labor, transportation, and insurance sectors. The coalition's mission is to reduce distracted driving by passing a comprehensive hands-free driving law in Iowa. By uniting diverse voices, the coalition aims to raise awareness, promote safer roads, and pass this critical legislation during the 2025 Iowa legislative session.

About the Iowa Bicycle Coalition 

The Iowa Bicycle Coalition is a statewide non-profit organization that advocates for safe, enjoyable, and accessible bicycling in Iowa through education, events, better policy, and building a community of supporters. Our vision is that bicycling in Iowa is safe, enjoyable, and accessible for all. You can learn more at Iowabicyclecoalition.org.

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