Iowa legislators are considering a crackdown on smart phone use behind the steering wheel. A bill that would let police pull over vehicles if they suspect the driver is texting has cleared a senate subcommittee. Iowa’s law enforcement community, cell phone providers and insurance companies are urging legislators to go farther, however, and make it illegal to use a hand-held device while driving. Susan Cameron, a lobbyist for the Iowa State Sheriffs and Deputies Association, says distracted driving is a top concern.

 

Steve Gent of the Iowa D-O-T says teens today have had a smart phone in their hands long before they ever handled a steering wheel.

 

Iowa crash data indicates the number of accidents caused by a driver distracted by a cell phone or other electronic device has “nearly doubled” in the past five years.

The next stop for this debate about texting and driving is the Senate Transportation Committee.