Studies have shown that text-messaging significantly increases a motorist’s likelihood of causing a collision, which can lead to significantly higher auto insurance quotes.
With this in mind, legislators in one state have passed a bill to restrict cell phone use among young drivers, according to a report by the Insurance Journal. Legislation passed by the Iowa Senate and House restricts motorists over 18 from reading or writing emails or text messages while operating a vehicles. Drivers under age 18 are prohibited from all cell phone or electronic device use.
Police are not be able to stop drivers for suspicion of texting, which may make it more difficult to enforce, some critics say. Senator Jeff Danielson voiced support for the bill’s provisions toward young drivers.
“When you are learning to drive, that is what we want you to be doing, learning to drive,” Danielson was quoted as saying. “Texting while driving is the worst distracted behavior you can do.”
Those caught violating the law are be charged a $30 fine, according to the report. Higher fines are given to motorists who caused accidents because they were texting. The bill passed to Governor Chet Culver for signature.
For a full list of state-by-state distracted driving laws, see the government website.
