This is National Distracted Driving Awareness Month. And this week, the U.S. Department of Transportation’s National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Region 7, which includes Iowa, is participating in a national high-visibility enforcement effort to deter distracted driving.
In 2021, more than 3,000 people were killed and more than 300,000 people injured in traffic crashes involving distracted drivers. Violating your state’s distracted driving laws can cost you a fine – and could also cost you your life or the lives of others.
Officials say distracted driving is a leading cause of vehicle crashes on our nation’s roads – and most of this distraction can be attributed to cell phone use. Drivers are seeing increased law enforcement efforts this week as officers are stopping and ticketing anyone who is caught texting and driving.
Some helpful tips for staying safe:
- If you are expecting a text message or need to send one, pull over and park your car in a safe location.
- Ask your passenger to be your “designated texter.” Allow them access to your phone to respond to calls or messages.
- Do not engage in social media scrolling or messaging while driving.
- Activate your phone’s “Do Not Disturb” feature, silence notifications, or put your phone in the trunk, glove box, or back seat of your vehicle until you arrive at your destination.
