A Message from the Waukee Police Department:
We are seeing an increase of accidents by younger drivers in Waukee. We care about the safety of all drivers. Please help us by talking to your kids about the consequences and dangers of distracted driving.
What Is Distracted Driving?
Distracted driving is any activity that diverts attention from driving, including:
- talking or texting on your phone
- eating and drinking
- talking to people in your vehicle
- fiddling with the stereo, entertainment or navigation system
- anything else that takes attention away from the task of safe driving
Texting is the most alarming distraction. Sending or reading a text message takes your eyes off the road for five seconds. At 55 mph, that's like driving the length of an entire football field with your eyes closed.
Motor vehicle crashes are the leading cause of death for teens (15 to 18 years old) in the U.S.
In 2019 there were 1,099 crashes in Iowa due to the use of phones or other electronic devices by the driver; 232 of those were fatality accidents and 538 had injuries reported. Over 30 percent of these were also speeding at the time of the accident.
Iowa Laws on Cell Phone Use while Driving:
Iowa's distracted driving law is a primary law meaning a law enforcement officer can stop any driver who is texting (reading, writing or sending) or using any other portable electronic device, unless the motor vehicle is at a complete stop and off the traveled portion of the roadway.
Drivers who are using an instruction permit or intermediate driver’s license (typically, drivers under the age of 18) are prohibited from all electronic device use while driving, including calls.
Enforcement and Penalties:
Violators of the distracted driving laws face up to $500 in fines and/or license suspension for up to 90 days.
Please take the time to talk to your children today! Thank you.
