Our Fact Finder Team spoke with State Representative Hanson regarding a proposal to ban the use of cell phones and text-messaging while driving.
FAIRFIELD, IOWA -- Iowa State Representative Curt Hanson (D-Fairfield), a longtime Driver's Education Teacher, co-sponsored a bill that would prohibit the use of cell phones and text-messaging while driving unless using a hands-free device. Violators would be charged with a misdemeanor and a fine.
The Representative also added that he has received several calls supporting this legislation.
He told Fact Finder that distracted driving, which includes talking and texting on your cell phone while behind the wheel of a car, is a national concern.
"I can't imagine texting. I think that is so dangerous when people are driving but yet people do it, and I don't think it should be [allowed] within the laws of the land. I think there should be some consequences, so that's why I am co-sponsoring this legislation. I think it's important for Iowans to get a handle on this and reduce the risk out there on Iowa's highways," Representative Hanson said.
Representative Hanson said that statistics show there are as many traffic crashes caused by distracted driving as by drunk driving.
On Monday, The Oprah Winfrey Show will be dedicated to examining the growing problem of distracted driving. The show will air, as normally scheduled, at 3 PM on KTVO.
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