DES MOINES, Iowa – For the second consecutive year, the Governor’s Traffic Safety Bureau and Iowa State Patrol collaborated at the Iowa State Fair to survey attendees on cell phone use while driving. The survey, conducted with over 1,300 Iowans from nearly every county, revealed significant concerns about distracted driving. Despite half of respondents admitting to at least sometimes driving with a cell phone in hand, over 90% say the behavior is extremely dangerous.

Iowa State Patrol Sergeant Alex Dinkla says “Law enforcement already know cell phone use behind the wheel is dangerous, it’s affirming to hear Iowa drivers feel the same. It’s frustrating that despite the perceived danger, so many drivers admit to doing it.”

In March, a report by Cambridge Mobile Telematics, “The State of US Road Risk in 2024”, projected a modest 10% reduction in distracted driving in Iowa would prevent 1,263 crashes, 708 injuries, 6 deaths, and save over $50 million in economic damage. Almost 85% of Iowans surveyed support legislation mandating hands-free phone use. Despite repeated attempts since 2019, proposed bills for hands-free driving legislation have failed in the Iowa Legislature.

The Governor’s Traffic Safety Bureau works with city, county, state, and local organizations to develop and implement strategies to reduce death and injury on Iowa roads using federally funded grants.