Lawmakers in Iowa are renewing efforts to enact a “hands-free” law that would prohibit drivers from using cell phones while operating a vehicle, alongside a push to ban traffic cameras. The proposed legislation, Senate Study Bill 3016, has sparked debate among lawmakers, crash victims’ families, and law enforcement officials.
During a Senate subcommittee meeting, advocates, including Kristi Castenson, who lost her husband and mother-in-law in a texting-related crash in 2015, urged lawmakers to prioritize road safety. Castenson emphasized the devastating impact of distracted driving and called for action to prevent further tragedies.
While the bill mandates hands-free driving, it also includes provisions to ban speed and red light cameras. Some, like Luke Hoffman from the Iowa Bicycle Coalition, argue that combining the two issues may dilute the focus on the critical hands-free component. Hoffman stressed the importance of prioritizing measures that directly address distracted driving.
Senator Brad Zaun, the bill’s sponsor, defended the inclusion of the traffic camera ban, citing concerns about constitutionality and revenue generation. He argued that traffic camera tickets disproportionately affect low-income individuals and questioned their efficacy in enhancing road safety.
However, Davenport Police Chief Jeff Bladel highlighted the safety benefits of traffic cameras, citing significant reductions in crashes at intersections equipped with these devices. While supporting hands-free legislation, Bladel expressed reservations about conflating the two issues and suggested that each be considered separately based on its merits.
Currently, 34 states have laws prohibiting handheld cell phone use while driving, according to the Governor’s Highway Safety Association. The debate in Iowa reflects ongoing efforts to balance road safety measures with concerns about privacy, revenue generation, and constitutional rights.