Lucky 21

Lucky 21! Iowa Becomes 21st State to Ban Texting for All Drivers


April 1, 2010 - Iowa Governor Chet Culver has signed a bill that makes that state the 21st to ban texting while driving for all drivers. The new Iowa law also bans all cell phone use for teen drivers with intermediate or restricted licenses. Twelve states banned texting while driving in 2009. Already in 2010, Iowa and Wyoming have passed these common sense laws. Legislation is pending in numerous other states.

To further draw attention to the distracted driving issue as well as discuss comprehensive solutions, GHSA's 2010 Annual Meeting is themed "Technology and Highway Safety: What's Driving Our Future?" The conference will be held September 26-29 in Kansas City, Missouri.

GHSA Executive Director Barbara Harsha stated, "Congratulations to the state of Iowa for being a leader on the distracted driving issue. I expect 10-15 other states will follow suit this year. Regardless of the law, the best advice is to simply hang up and focus on driving."

Cell phone and texting laws are posted online at:
www.ghsa.org/html/stateinfo/laws/cellphone_laws.html.
The Governors Highway Safety Association (GHSA)® is a nonprofit association representing the highway safety offices of states, territories, the District of Columbia and Puerto Rico. GHSA provides leadership and representation for the states and territories to improve traffic safety, influence national policy and enhance program management. Its members are appointed by their Governors to administer federal and state highway safety funds and implement state highway safety plans. Contact GHSA at 202-789-0942 or visit http://www.ghsa.org/.