Texting while driving….Iowa House approves ban, sending it to the Senate.

My generation has grown up in the era of cell phones, ipods, blue rays, etc but recently texting while driving has become a concern for many House representatives. Last week the Iowa House approved a ban to stop texting while driving with a vote of 64-31, sending the issue to the Senate. This measure would also prohibit e-mailing while driving and sending other instant messages. While the measure does prohibit these actions while the vehicle is moving, it would allow drivers to pull over to use the devices. Also, the measure does not ban talking on a phone while driving or using variations of navigation systems.
Representative Chris Rants and Representative Scott Raecker both tried to set restrictions for the measure. Rants believed that it should be narrowed to those people aged 18 years and younger because young people are generally the ones texting more. On the other hand, Raecker suggested prohibiting all hand-held devices because all activities which involve them are distractions. However, in the end both attempts were rejected by the House.
If passed by the Senate, the measure would take effect on July 1 but for the first year only warnings would be issued. However, after the first year a $30 fine would be given if caught texting while driving, and if an accident was caused because of it a hefty fine would be put in place along with possible license suspension.
While the Chamber has not officially taken a position on this issue, we are wondering how Siouxland community members feel about it. Is it a sensible measure or something that can’t be monitored? Also, what do you think are the most distracting things while driving? Does texting run a higher risk of accidents than say… changing the radio, putting on make-up or eating?

Information courtesy of the Sioux City Journal.

Chelsey Meyer/ Social Media Intern