CORALVILLE, IOWA (March 24, 2023) — Drive Safe Iowa is pleased to announce that SF547 on handsfree/distracted driving has passed in the Iowa Senate with an overwhelming vote of 47-3. This critical bill aims to reduce the number of accidents caused by distracted driving and improve road safety in Iowa.
"We applaud the Iowa Senate for passing SF547, and we thank Senator [Mark] Lofgren for being a tireless supporter of this critical legislation," said Mark Wyatt, spokesperson for Drive Safe Iowa. "We believe that hands-free driving is the way forward, and this bill takes us one step closer to making Iowa's roads safer for everyone."
SF547 prohibits the use of electronic devices while driving, except when using a hands-free device or in an emergency situation. The bill also prohibits drivers from using handheld electronic devices while stopped at a traffic signal or stop sign.
Despite the passage of the bill in the Senate, there are legislators in the Iowa House who are against it and trying to kill it. Drive Safe Iowa urges all Iowa residents to contact their State Representatives and urge them to support SF547 on handsfree/distracted driving.
"We cannot let this critical bill be derailed by those who do not see the importance of road safety," said Wyatt. "We need to make our voices heard and ensure that SF547 becomes law."
Iowans can take action and contact their State Representatives at drivesafeiowa.org.