No more cell phones while driving

     It’s quite possible that the Iowa Legislature could pass a law yet this session that outlaws the use of hand-held mobile devices for all drivers of all ages.

     The state already put a stop to texting while driving. Those with a CDL license driving semis are also not allowed to use hand-held cell phones while driving.

     And now the state wants to put an end to distracted driving.

     But there’s more to distracted driving than just cell phones.

     I’m one of those drivers that detests listening to commercials on the radio. So when a commercial comes on, I start to channel surf. That’s called being distracted while driving.

     I use Google Maps on my phone quite often to help guide me to various addresses throughout Jones County. That’s distracted driving when you clue into your phone’s navigation app.

     I almost always have a cold or hot beverage next to me while driving. Picking up the cup and putting it is distracted driving.

     I’m not one to eat while driving, but people do it. That’s distracted driving.

     Changing the CD in your car console is distracted driving.

     Conversing with one or more passengers in your car in distracted driving.

     Heck, just thinking about your day or what lies ahead is distracted driving.

     So while the state wants to crack down on distracted driving, cutting out the use of cell phones is just one piece of the pie.

     Will Iowa outlaw eating and drinking while driving next?

     If you’re caught texting while driving, the fine is just $35. Many people probably don’t baulk at paying a $35 fine. Just a simple speeding ticket is $20 or $40. The no-cell-phone law would surely be accompanied by a more hefty fine, something to curtail the distracting practice.

     You’ll read a Letter to the Editor inside this week’s Express opposing this idea, and I have to agree with the author. What’s next?

     Perhaps instead of dictating that all drivers cannot use their cell phones while driving, place the stipulation on a certain demographic of drivers. Young and first-time drivers have more to be cautious about than anything. They don’t need one more thing encouraging them to take their eyes off the road.

     And how is this potential law going to be policed? When someone gets pulled over for distracted driving, it wouldn’t take long for the driver to conceal his/her phone. Out of sight, out of mind, right?

     The only way one might be able to prove the driver was using his/her phone is to search the call log on that phone.

     Three of our four area legislatures (Carrie Koelker, Lee Hein and Dan Zumbach) recently shared that many people are on board to see this become a law. And they believe it could happen before the end of this current session.

     Cell phones are supposed to make our lives easier. They’re supposed to be helpful tools, not something that leads to the loss of rights.

     Whether you’re for or against a potential law like this, it’s important to let your voice be heard. Contact our legislators and tell them what you think.

     It’s also worth thanking the Jones County Farm Bureau for hosting the past two legislative forums. While the first one just happened to fall on a day with a wild snowstorm and low turnout, the latest forum over the weekend brought in several people.

     While the Express runs guest columns from our area legislators when available, the information they provide is only a snippet of what goes on in Des Moines.

     Attending these forums is for the benefit of the voters, the constituents. It gives you the chance to fire away and ask the legislators anything that’s on your mind. It gives you a chance to hear directly from them, in person.

     We’re lucky we have direct access to our legislators here in Iowa. Not so much when it comes to our D.C. legislators. I urge you to take advantage of these forums if and when you can. You can’t say your voice wasn’t heard.